When crisis hits, distress can soon follow. Just ask King David. In Psalm 3 and 4 David finds himself on the receiving end of major crisis (Ps. 3:1-2) and deep distress (Ps. 4:1-2). But what are easily the most shocking two verses in these Psalms is David’s response to it all:
“I will lie down and rest in peace” (Ps. 3:5; 4:8). David understands what Twila Paris would come to sing in the early 90’s—God is in control. Our God is Adonai; the sovereign Sovereign (Ps. 2:4). King over our crisis. God of our circumstances. Therefore, we can lay down and rest in peace, even in the midst of our deep distress.
So what does this mean for us as Christian leaders/pastors? In our current crisis we have the great opportunity to be “lead resters.” Instead of distress as response to our crisis, we can be men and women who rest in our Prince who is amazingly generous with his peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
So as the current crisis continues, fight to rest and remind your people—God is in control!
Jonathan Davis pastors Delta Church in Springfield.