Restful Nights

Psalm 3:5 (NLT)    I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me.

Psalm 4-8 (NLT)    In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

There are some nights when I just can’t find the “off” switch for my thoughts. I lie awake for hours looking at the clock which only shows a few minutes difference each time. Sometimes I know what keeps me awake, but sometimes it’s just sort of a jumbled-up mixture of random thoughts. That’s when verses like those noted above bring me the most comfort.

I know that David wrote many of the Psalms. Often he speaks of his enemies in pursuit of him and during those times it must have been so hard for him to close his eyes at night. Yet he knew the Lord was in control. This is what allowed him to sleep peacefully in spite of the many dangers lurking nearby.

My life is quite different because I do not face the types of dangers David did. In fact, I can’t really say it is danger at all that keeps me awake some nights. Most of the time it is more like just a restlessness and inability to quiet my random thoughts. What I have come to understand is that God provides peace that I do not have on my own. Furthermore, he offers peace freely if I just ask him, and trust that he will answer.

I have said before, and still maintain, the more one studies the Bible—takes the time and effort to learn verses—the more comfort we have in times of need.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Sometimes our struggles seem very minor, and restless nights can be one of those minor annoyances. Thank you for examples in your Word that remind us of the comfort and peace only you can provide. Thank you for peaceful, restful nights.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

 

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.