Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Have you ever had a day when the challenges seemed stacked against you regardless of your best effort?  You may have wondered how you’d make it through.  What brings peace at the end of those days?

This chapter starts with David honestly acknowledging his troubles. Sometimes, life is so overwhelming that we might be tempted to question God. Despite this, David calls God his Shield and Lifter of his head.  Even when we feel surrounded, God protects and restores us.  David sleeps peacefully, knowing that God sustains him.  David calls on God to rescue him from those who oppose him.  

At the end of a difficult day or difficult season, how do you find peace?  How can placing your trust in God help give rest to your soul?
God’s peace often surpasses human understanding even when circumstances don’t change.

God invites us to trust Him for both the battles we face and the peace we seek.  God is our Shield and Sustainer.  He gives us true rest, peaceful rest for our souls.

This week, focus on how you can draw comfort in the ways God has shown up for you in the past.  For me, it helps to write things down.  When you list all the things that He has done for you, gratitude becomes magnified.  As you look over your list, it will bring you peace to know that He will do it again and again.  

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.
• Prayer: Dear God, we acknowledge the fact that when we surrender all and become dependent on You, You restore us and give rest to our souls.  Thank You for lifting our heads in times of trouble and for being our Shield and Protector.  Thank You also for all the ways that You have shown up for us before.  You are so faithful, and we thank You, Lord Jesus. Amen.