Peace and quiet are hard to find. Remembrance Day 2009 does not find the world at peace; our own country has many under arms in far-flung places seeking, striving, and suffering in a world too full of war. Our 24/7 always-on wired world offers unceasing sightsounds and stimulations; our globally inter-connected economic upheavals have eaten away job security and promised pensions have vanished. We cannot escape the effects of an influenza pandemic affecting people in all walks of life all around the world.

David did not live in a quiet, secluded cottage on a tranquil lake. Rather, when he ceased herding sheep, he roamed the country, leading armies and fighting battles. Engulfed in inner turmoil, battling temptations and wracked with guilt, he struggled to do what was right in God’s sight. Caught up in civil politics and international intrigues, he was either hunting down enemies or being hunted himself.

Yet he says, "I will lie down and sleep in peace." How can he do so?

Calling the right number
David sleeps in peace, because he knows who to call. He begins the psalm with the plea, "Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God." (verse 1) When we have need of help, we need to know whom to call. The telephone is a lifeline for one living alone, but only if there is someone on the other end to answer, and if we dial the right the number. We need to call in Jesus‘ name and ask Him to speak to the Father on our behalf. He will never be put on hold or have his request denied.

Remembering the One to whom we belong
David goes on in verse 3 to declare: "Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him."

Our Dutch friends raised on the Heidelberg Catechism are blessed with having at least the first part of the first question and answer committed to memory:

Q. What is your only comfort, in life and in death?
A. My only comfort is that I belong -- body and soul, in life and in death -- not to myself but to my faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ ...

David is able to rest securely because He knows that God has chosen him, and called David to abide in Him. Not because David was tall or strong or handsome, but because God, who searches the hearts of all, chose, out of His mere good pleasure, David to be his adopted and anointed servant. While David was a young teenager tending sheep, God called him, and set him apart for Himself.

Trusting in the Lord
David is prone to strong and violent emotions, leading him to act impulsively, and at times he falls into grievous sin. Yet he knows that humble self-examination is to be a daily exercise. He needs to repent, and to turn away from trusting in the strength of self and to place his trust afresh in God alone. “Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord” is his counsel in verse 6.

I will call; I will remember; I will trust. All these actions together lead David to the conclusion, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Amid the challenging circumstances of our lives and all that would try our patience and trouble our peace, let us learn from David, and in the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us follow his pattern. Let us call to the Lord. Let us remember that we belong, body and soul, in life and in death, to Him. Let us trust neither in our own strength nor in the might or power of others, but in the Lord our God. Because He makes us dwell in safety, we will lie down and sleep in peace.

David was tall or strong or handsome, but because God, who searches the hearts of all, chose,

Your pastor,
In the peace and confident strength of the Lord alone,
James T. Hurd