Do you sleep well at night? Is your sleep restless or restful? Here’s a spiritual sleeping pill, if you’re having trouble finding rest.
David, a man after God’s own heart, says “I will both sleep and rest in peace, For You alone, O Lord, cause me to dwell in hope.” (Psalms 4:8,/4:9 LXX)
How could King David find this elusive rest that our world hungers for and enter into such a dreamy, peaceful sleep? David knew the Lord! David internalized God’s Word. He hid His Word in His heart. Therefore, knowing the Lord’s provision, protection, and paternal love, David had nothing to fear, except during the time of Urriah.
John had this same intimate knowledge and confidence, which is why he could write “There is no fear in love but perfect [mature] love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But whoever fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
But how do we reconcile this with Paul’s frequent reminders to “not sleep at night” (1 Thess 5:6) and “Awake you who sleep; Arise from the dead and Christ will give you light!”? As usual, Paul is here referring to our spiritual zeal. Are we awake in our faith, or are we sleeping? Are you hungry for God’s Word, like King David, or do we allow things to get in the way?
As we grow closer to God, continue in His teachings, meditate in His Word, and faithfully pray to the One who will answer, we find a transcendent peace enveloping our life, calming the turbulence, and the still small voice of our Shepherd comforts us as He leads us beside still waters and causes us to lie down in green pastures. The more “awake” you are in the Spirit, the more soundly you will find your physical sleep.
So before you go to bed tonight, remember this eternal promise:
My son and daughter do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
For the Lord will be your confidence!
(Proverbs 3:1,24,26)
