There’s a New Sheriff In Town!

As much as I love the King James Version there are times when it just doesn’t put a certain thought in enough modern language to convey the meaning to this generation. One such passage is Psalm 4:8; however, when you go to The Message translation:

I have God’s more-than-enough, More joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees. At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep, For you, God, have put my life back together. Psalm 4:8 (MSG)

In this passage the Psalmist is trying to tell us about his peace, specifically the remarkable peace he has when he goes to bed. He describes it as having more than enough – particularly joy- in one day than all those who go on shopping sprees. He then speaks of his sleep, that it is “sound sleep” or as the KJV puts it “peace-ful” sleep. It is at this point that The Message makes the reason plain – because “God have put my life back together”.

There is no real, serene, joyful, lasting peace, unless God puts your life together. Weariness can make you sleep for a season; even frustration, even depression. But for a good pattern of sleep – it takes a visit from on High to fill your inner being with peace.

Paul goes a step further when he says:

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. HIs peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (NLT)

Imagine “‘peace – God’s peace”, a part of the benefit package of living with Jesus, setting up a watch guard over your heart and over your mind to ensure that nothing or no one can rob you of your peace.

What kind of sheriff is this?

Maria