I Will Lie Down in Peace
The sermon emphasizes the blessedness of lying down in peace with Jesus as our rest and refreshment, and the futility of seeking happiness elsewhere.
Robert Hawker preaches about finding true rest and security in Jesus, emphasizing that without Him, life can be filled with horrors and unsatisfying pursuits. He highlights how those who do not know Jesus are constantly seeking good things in the world, ultimately aiming to fulfill their fleshly desires. The sermon encourages the listener to make the light of God's countenance their greatest desire, leading to a heart filled with gladness that surpasses worldly abundance. The ultimate goal is to experience the blessedness of being in God's presence day by day, finding peace and safety in Him both in life and in death.
Text
July 13
EVENING.
"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8
My soul! it is blessed, indeed, to lie down, or arise, when Jesus is your rest and refreshment! But, apart from security and safety in him, both the day-light and the darkness have their horrors. And how unsatisfying is every thing where Jesus is not? This is strikingly exemplified, day by day, among all carnal characters. According to the Psalmist, "there are many that say, who will show us any good?" Indeed, the whole world, who knows not the blessedness of Jesus, will speak this way! What a busy life some men make of it? And what is it for? Be their pursuits what they may; let them be ever so much diversified, one object is the aim of all. The apostle has said what it is: to make provision for the flesh, to fulfil its lusts. (Rom 13:14)
My soul! what is the first and last, the greatest and most momentous desire of your heart? Can you, and do you, adopt the words of the Psalmist, in this sweet psalm: "Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased."
Oh! the blessedness of such a state! May it be mine! Dearest Lord Jesus! grant it to me, day by day; and in the evening and night watches, let your sweet visits be unceasingly renewing: and then will I take this precious portion for my song, both when undressing for the bed of sleep, and on the bed of death: "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Sermon Outline
- I. The Blessing of Lying Down in Peace
- A. The Psalmist's Assurance
- B. The Contrast with a Life Without Jesus
- C. The Futility of Seeking Happiness Elsewhere
- II. The Greatest Desire of the Heart
- A. Adopting the Psalmist's Prayer
- B. The Blessing of Gladness in the Heart
- III. The Blessedness of a Life in Christ
- A. A Life of Unceasing Renewal
- B. A Life of Peace and Safety
Key Quotes
“My soul! it is blessed, indeed, to lie down, or arise, when Jesus is your rest and refreshment!” — Robert Hawker
“You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased.” — Robert Hawker
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Robert Hawker
Application Points
- Make Jesus your rest and refreshment, and seek to lie down in peace with Him.
- Adopt the Psalmist's prayer and seek to experience the blessing of gladness in your heart.
- Recognize the futility of seeking happiness outside of Jesus and turn to Him for true satisfaction.