Day 11 Advent Devotional | December 14th
Psalm 4:5-8
“Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the LORD. Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?” Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O LORD! You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.”
There are so many circumstances in our world that are troubling and concerning—socially, economically, politically, and so much more. Too often, we can become preoccupied about what’s happening in our world that it causes us to lose hope. Not only do we begin to look to the things of this world to bring our hearts peace, we sometimes forget where true peace is found.
The psalmist is writing in the midst of troubling circumstances. He, like many of us, finds himself in times of distress. He turns to the Lord and cries out, “Answer me!” Yet, despite his troubling circumstances, he expresses a heart of trust in the Lord who is greater than His circumstances. He knows that true joy is not found in this world, but in God alone. He knows who God is and how powerful God is, and that gives his heart peace to “lie down and sleep.”
Be encouraged this Christmas that true peace is not found in this world. True peace is found in God alone through Jesus Christ. He’s described as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6); in him there is peace for he has “overcome the world” (John 16:33); and we have “peace with God” through a relationship with Jesus (Romans 5:1). Regardless of your present circumstances, turn to Jesus and be reminded of the peace he brought to this world over 2,000 years ago, and the peace he still offers to you today as his child.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you for your goodness, your faithfulness, and your never-ending love to me despite what my circumstances. Thank you for being a God I can trust, and thank you for sending Jesus to pay the punishment for my sins. Lord, reveal to me where I need to trust you more, and I ask for your grace to trust you in that area of my life. Thank you for who you are and what you have done. Amen.