Wall inside Bethlehem (in West Bank)

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

Psalm 4:8

Peace and safety is an issue nowadays.  Is it right to want a peaceful and quiet life?  Is it right to desire a safe place to dwell?   Would that all the world were a safe haven, but such is not the case.

The role of good government is to be “an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” (Roman 13:4)   It is the role of soldiers, sheriffs, policeman and our civil leaders to protect citizens from criminals, terrorism and fits of rage.  May we help through prayers.

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (1 Timothy 2)

It is pleasing to God to have a peaceful and quiet life!   YHWH-Shalom, the God of peace, is over your life if you are in Christ!

A good man wants safety for his family.  His nature is to protect!   He cares and defends the woman and children from evil.

Nehemiah was a Godly man, a good man.  He saw that the walls around Jerusalem needed to be rebuilt.

“I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire.”  (Nehemiah 2:13)

He gathered the rebuilders and they “each kept his weapon at his right hand” so as not to be taken off guard by their enemies.  There was much opposition to the wall from Sanballat and the army of Samaria.  They tried to dissuade the rebuilders.  But a wall was built and it was done courageously!

Someday there will be peace on earth.  “Thy Kingdom come.”  When the Prince of Peace is reigning there shall be no violence.

“Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.”   Isaiah 60:8

In the meantime, we need valiant men and women to protect their country from terrors, both within and without.