December 7, 2007
Ps 3:3-6 - But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
This verse about sleep is written out by my daughter and hangs on the wall above her head. I will not be afraid… Though this verse is not a direct command from the Lord, the fact that that it is in the scriptures indicates that there is truth that should be obeyed. We are not to fear, even if there are many thousands who have set themselves after us. The reason he can sleep is that David has cried out to God and has been answered by God from His holy hill. David recognizes that the Lord is a shield, is his glory and lifts his head. He has sought the Lord and the Lord has filled him with peace and confidence so that he could go to sleep and sleep well.
Ps 2:11 - Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.
This verse puts fear into perspective where our fear should be. Despite the many armies and enemies that face the Israelites, they were continually brought back to the place where the only one to fear was God. Serve him with fear and rejoice with trembling. Serve Him understanding his might and his power and his anger and his joy. Rejoice in this serving, but do it with trembling and cautiousness as you revere and respect our creator and our judge. We would do well to grow in our respect of the almighty.
