Psalm 4
1 Answer me when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
    have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Tremble and do not sin;
    when you are on your beds,
    search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.
6 Many, Lord, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?’
    Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
    when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.

Where does true peace and prosperity come from? We are fed many possibilities but so often these prove short-lived such the momentary buzz of a new purchase, the fleeting joy of fifteen minutes of fame or the stimulation of our senses. But whilst these may promise much, such ‘delusions’ or ‘false Gods’, as fun or good as they may be do not last, whereas the peace and joy we can find from rooting our life in trusting God and being faithful to him as permanent value.

Lord, may I be a sacrifice to you today.