Sleep well
by Pastor Reid Matthias
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In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).
As I read through Psalm 4, I get a distinct impression that King David has not been sleeping well.
Maybe he is like I get sometimes. I’m so tired that falling asleep in the recliner seems like a foregone conclusion, but when I crawl between the covers to go to sleep, my brain wakes up. For some reason, all tiredness has left, and I can only think about the things that have stumped me during the day.
It sounds like Psalm 4. King David arose from lying on his royal sofa, went to bed, searched his heart and found a lot of noise.
‘Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”’ (verse 6a).
Was he frustrated with his people? Was he angry with their doubt? Was he tired of his people ‘loving delusion [things that are worthless] and seeking lies?’ (verse 2).
Are you like this? Do you replay the day and all the frustrations and people who have angered you, and it keeps you awake?
Maybe our pathway to a peaceful sleep is a journey through the joy in God’s heart. God has set the faithful people apart for himself. He listens to us, and we trust him because he keeps his promises, and he allows us to live in safety.
At the end of the day, aren’t these the things that we most long for to settle our minds?
What kinds of things do you think about as you prepare for sleep? How do you find a peaceful mind and soul?
Lord, let the light of your face shine on me. Grant me joy, just like a celebration of life. Help me to find peace even in the midst of chaos. Help me not to be afraid, because you are in control of my life. Amen.
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