Psalm 3:1-8, “Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are
they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There
is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me;
my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.I cried unto the Lord with my
voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and
slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten
thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies
upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation
belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.”
As I read this Psalm today, I was impressed anew with the fact that God
watches over our sleep! Without it, human beings don’t perform very well;
our productivity is disrupted. Our ability to cope with the stresses and
strains of life wanes in light of small doses of slumber. So it is for
the believer who is met with both physical and spiritual battles. However,
knowing God is watching over us can give us rest and peace even during
times of crisis. David could have experienced many a sleepless night when
his son Absalom strongly opposed him as he gathered an army together to
kill him. Nevertheless, David slept peacefully – even during the rebellion.
Certainly, this would be a hard thing for any troubled parent to do! What
made the difference? The Bible says David cried out to the Lord and the
Lord heard him. The assurance of answered prayer always brings peace!
Ladies, it is so much easier to sleep when we have full assurance that
God is in control of our circumstances – especially the ones that hit
closest to home… If you are lying awake at night heavy with the concerns
you cannot change, pour your heart out to God and thank Him that HE is
in control! There is no need for God’s children to collapse in exhaustion
from hours of worry when they can place their head on their pillows at
a sensible hour and rest in true peace…
Psalm 4:8, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord,
only makest me dwell in safety.”
True peace is not found in positive thinking, good feelings, or even in
the absence of conflict. David has shown us the cure for sleepless nights
is to turn our thoughts to God; to commit our affairs to Him. Regardless
of the various reasons people struggle to slumber, these may be turned
into quiet times of reflection and worship… Are you in the habit of channeling
your concerns properly, thereby motivating yourself to review how God
has guided and helped you?
Psalm 63:6-7, “When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee
in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the
shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.”
Just as David expressed his confidence in the Lord, so too, should we
during our darkest moments! Accept the respite that your heavenly Father
offers you… Actually, proper rest is so important that God made it part
of His ultimate plan as specified in Genesis at creation, signifying our
need to rest in Christ. Some work is not ours to do… Consequently, let
us never trust a lesser power than God Himself! No matter how old we are,
we never outgrow our need for God’s untiring watch over our lives. It’s
the perfect remedy for restlessness!
Only God can feel these sorrows;
Only God can cleanse this heart;
Only God can bear these burdens
And bid these cares depart.
Friends may give their sympathy
And speak their words of cheer,
But only God can truly know
Just how to wipe those tears.
Only God can give the answers;
Only God can do what's best;
Only God can give true comfort
And show us perfect rest.
by C. Costella
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2002 Pamela A. Iannello
