Psalm 4:3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

Here we have the secret of David’s boldness, his assurance in times of trial. There are many other examples throughout the Psalms (as well as times when he didn’t feel so heard). David was certainly not perfect by any means, but he had learned to listen, and recognize when God was speaking to him. Some would think it was hubris for him to claim to be a saint, a holy one, (the NIV says, “faithful servant”) but the New Testament extends that term to every believer, and we need to lay hold of it. Those who rebel against God and persecute His people certainly don’t have that assurance, and it drives them nuts that we do! We are always to walk in personal humility, but at the same time know that we serve and are loved by the Creator of the universe. That assurance can get us through anything! The last verse of this Psalm expresses a very practical outcome of such assurance. “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) If we have that assurance, anxiety and insomnia go out the window!

In 76 years I have experienced God’s loving, personal care more times than I could possibly count. That doesn’t mean the devil doesn’t still try to make me anxious, because he does, but it’s not difficult to change gears and be grateful for all that God has done for me. That is particularly effective when my brain won’t shut up after I’ve gone to bed. I run through the lyrics of songs like, “O Lord, You have been Good,” and focus on gratitude for all that He has done for me, and the next thing I know, it’s morning! Yesterday’s message focused on the reality that life on this earth isn’t just a walk in the park, and that God isn’t just a vending machine, but that we have absolutely nothing to be anxious about, even so. John 16:33 has become something of a theme verse for me, even though I know that my troubles are far lighter than those of many of my brothers and sisters in Christ, particularly in places like North Korea. I am able to remind myself that all my troubles are indeed “light and momentary,” just as Paul said. (2 Corinthians 4:17) As a pastor, I am to seek to help those in my care to have the same awareness, just as I did in the service yesterday.

Father, thank You for Your incredible grace toward me. Thank You for the joy and privilege of sharing Your truth with others. May every word You speak through me have its full effect, so that the lies of the enemy may be defeated and people set free, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!