From: Beverly French [frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us]
Sent: Sunday, May 23, 2004 6:58 AM
To: Heritage
Subject: May 23rd Blessings

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
 For Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me to dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8

What a glorious statement of trust!  This verse speaks of peace, sleep, trust and safety.  This is the portion of everyone who puts his/her trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  For those who do, it can be no other way for Scripture has assured us of this promise throughout.  The question is are we partaking of this truth?

Concerning peace, we see:
"Through the tender mercy of our God,
 With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,  To guide our feet into the way of peace."  Luke 1:78-79

"For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."  Romans 8:6

Then we have Romans 14:17 which defines living in the kingdom of God here and now, "For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

Galatians 5:22-23 follows up with the fruit of the Spirit, "...The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law."

This peace is a gift of God,
"The Lord will give strength to His people:
 The Lord will bless His people with peace."  Psalm 29:11

"You will keep him in perfect peace,
 Whose mind is stayed on You,
 Because he trusts in You."  Isaiah 26:3

It is our legacy of Christ,
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

As the Psalmist said, "In peace I will both lie down and sleep..." I wonder how many of God's own people lie down to a peaceful sleep assured that all is well?

King David when he fled for his life from Absalom was able to say: "I lay down and slept;  I awoke, for the Lord sustained me."  Psalm 3:5

"It is vain for you to rise up early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of [anxious] toil -- for He (The Lord) gives [blessings] to His beloved in sleep.  Psalm 127:2  (Read Matthew 6:25-34 concerning anxiousness.) This verse in Psalms calls to mind 1 Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." The result: "When you lie down, you will not be afraid;  Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet."  Proverbs 3:24

It is our trust in the Lord that frees us to lie down to a peaceful sleep! "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;  But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him."  Psalm 32:10

"Those who trust in the Lord
 Are like Mount Zion,
 Which cannot be moved, but abides forever."  Psalm 125:1

"The fear of man brings a snare,
 But whoever trust in the Lord shall be safe."  Proverbs 29:25

Glory to our Lord God who keeps us in perfect peace as we place our trust and confidence in Him.  "Fixing our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith..." Hebrews 12:2 Our Lord is worthy of all honor and praise!  Let us continuously give thanks
to Him for His loving kindness and tender mercies unto us!   Amen!