Listen to this devotion
Sleep in Peace
In the Word
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).
Of the Word
Why is the nighttime so difficult? We should be asleep but we toss and turn, our minds racing with thoughts of our troubles and fears. “My dear loved one is gone and I can’t stand the sorrow.” “What will tomorrow bring?” “Why do I have to deal with that situation?” “It’s not fair!” In the dark our fears seem overwhelming.
The psalmist says he can lie down and sleep in peace. “Well that’s not happening to me.”
The hours tick away and we continue to stare at the ceiling. We didn’t really want to turn out the lights in the first place but exhaustion is setting in. Minutes turn into hours and we are still awake.
We can continue to carry the fears with us, but being afraid won’t change our circumstances. It is time to surrender! It is time to take hold of the situation by accepting God’s promise: Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7 GNT). Jesus cares! He wants to give us rest! Through the Holy Spirit at work in us, we can lie down and sleep in peace.
Walking with my Lord
Caring Father, I am so weary carrying these burdens. Help me to let go and surrender to Your care. Help me to accept the rest and safety You offer. Help me to trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 29/30 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION – Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.
