(Psalms 3:3-4; 4:8) But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

David king of Israel is running away from his kingdom because his own son Absalom is trying to kill him. We all get hurt in this fallen world, and it is more painful when people we love and trust are the ones betraying us.

I used to believe that I needed a certain amount of time to forgive people, but that only opened my heart to bitterness. When we do things with our own strengths, we limit God’s power in our lives. Therefore, no matter how great the pain is, God is asking us to be vulnerable and lie down in his presence, knowing that we are safe because he will never hurt us. Talking to God welcomes the Holy Spirit in our hearts and makes us see things with heavenly perspectives.

Today, let’s cry out to God like David. We should call out to God when we are happy or sad for the Lord wants to protect us like a shield. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ is always available for us even when we are going through hard times.

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers his peace and contentment every day to those who seek him and call out to God. Whatever you are going through, give it all to God, and his peace will guide you.