Sleeplessness
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8
Many people suffer from sleeplessness, they have trouble falling asleep at night. Some take prescription medication to sleep, like sleeping pills. But it is good to remember that the Bible instructs us to lay down in sleep and “dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). One of the best ways we can help ourselves at the close of day is to direct our thoughts toward God, who gives rest in our weariness.
King David also knew what a restless night felt like. Fleeing from his son Absalom who wanted to steal his throne (2 Samuel 15-17), he knew that “tens of thousands [assailed him] on every side” (Psalm 3:6. David moaned, “Many are my foes that rise against me!” (v 1). Although he could have given in to fear and doubt, he called out to God, his “shield” (v 3). Later, he found that he could say “I lie down and sleep . . . because the Lord sustains me” (v 5).
When fears and struggles grip our mind and rest is replaced by restlessness, hope is found as we pray to God, because He knows that we need sleep in order to work effectively while we are awake, and He desires that we rest in Him. So when sleep is difficult, there is no better place to turn than to read from the book of Psalms. There is joy in its message and peace in its instruction. We can pray and ask God to give body, mind, and soul restoration. He gives us quiet confidence to live by and rest in. “I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One” (Psalm 132:4–5). When fears and struggles grip our mind and rest is replaced by restlessness, hope is found as we pray to God. While we might not experience immediate sleep as David did, we can rest in Him, and be certain that He is near.
Bible Reading
Psalm 3
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for providing hope and peace as I lift my prayers to You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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