Psalm 4:3 & 8
“Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him . . . I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
A godly person is someone who chooses to walk in the ways of the Lord – to pursue righteousness and right living, whatever the circumstance. God sees the heart and rewards those whose hearts are after him with his presence. As our Scripture encourages us today, He has set apart the godly for himself!
In every circumstance of life, we naturally prefer to keep the company of those who think like we do, enjoy similar interests, have similar objectives in life and can be really trusted. We are glad to call such people true friends. Scripture tells us that we are made in the image and likeness of God, so how we feel about relationships is simply a reflection of how God feels about relationship with us.
God enjoys walking with those who think like He does, have similar objectives in life and can be really trusted. Abraham was like that and James tell us that “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness, and he was called God’s friend” (James 2:23).
It’s sometimes tempting to look around at the world, see the endless pleasures that seem to be available to the godless and be tempted to be jealous. But in the inner being of their spirit, there can only be loneliness, because they do not have the best companion there could ever be walking with them – the living God! God delights to keep fellowship with those who love Him and choose to walk with Him and delight in His ways. And as a companion you can talk with him and share your heart, knowing that He is utterly trustworthy and will keep your heart secure in the peace of God.
There is no torment in sleep for those who have the peace of God’s presence in their hearts. So, whatever the circumstances of life you may be going through in the ups and downs of life, we can know that we are secure in Him – not just for time, but for eternity as well. And that is something that no earthly pleasure can ever provide! So be encouraged.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for your promise to be with those who choose to walk in Your ways and to hear when they call upon You. Help me, Lord, never to stray into pathways that take me away from Your presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.