READING: Psalms 4-6, Acts 17:16-34
“I will both lie down and sleep in peace.”
Psalm 4:8
I wish I could say that I rest well every night, but that’s not always true. Too often, I allow my mind to get far too focused on concerns or worries or wonderings or questions – and my mind stays awake while my body craves for sleep. Frankly, it’s incredibly frustrating because I know I should be at a place to simply trust God and rest, but I don’t always get there. I’m still learning, even this many years into my walk with God.
For that reason, the psalmist’s words in Psalm 4 both challenge and inspire me. He was facing some adversary or struggle, though we are not given specific details about the source of the trouble. Whatever he was facing, he clearly tells us what he did about it: he sought God in prayer. In fact, his pleas echo through the first part of the psalm – “Answer me when I call,” “be gracious to me,” “hear my prayer” (Psa. 4:1). Facing difficulties and even preparing to address his opponents, the psalmist nevertheless turned to God first. He knew that regardless of how others treated him, he could trust that the God who set him apart would hear him when he prayed.
As a result, the psalmist could say with confidence, “I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety” (Psa. 4:8). His outer circumstances may have been troublesome, but his soul found peace in God. He alone was his safety, and God alone is all he would need. Sleep apparently came easily soon after the psalmist lay down.
Our God does not let us down. This night, I need to remember these words if anything causes me to remain restless and awake. Sweet sleep will come when I genuinely rest in God.
ACTION STEPS:
- Pray that I will continue to learn these truths, beginning this night.
- Rest well in God tonight.
PRAYER: “Father, help me to trust You as my Father. Mold my heart so I rest in You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 7-9, Acts 18