In Peace I Lie Down
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
A night prayer under public slander. David asks his Father to answer, tells the men shaming him to stop loving empty words, and says the joy he has been given outweighs a good harvest. He ends by lying down to sleep in safety.
4 1Answer me when I call, O my Father, the one who upholds my righteousness. In my distress you gave me room to breathe; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. 2How long, you people, will my honor be turned to shame? How long will you love empty words and chase after lies? a a v2 Selah: a musical or liturgical marker in the psalms; its precise meaning is uncertain, but it likely signals a pause or a musical interlude.
3But know that our Father has set apart the faithful one for himself; our Father hears when I call to him. 4Tremble, and do not sin; search your hearts on your beds, and be still.
5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in our Father. 6Many are saying, "Who will show us anything good?" Lift up the light of your face upon us, O our Father!
7You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. 8In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O my Father, make me live in safety.
