Last night found me awake and unable to rest. My thoughts traced a path to painful experiences and I said, out loud, Jesus. I shudder. And I just say his name. I’m thankful I am not the only one who has trouble over night. David also had difficulty at this time of day.
Psalm 4, an evening prayer of trust.
“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have freed me when I was hemmed in and relieved me when I was in distress; Be gracious to me and hear [and respond to] my prayer. O sons of men, how long will my honor and glory be [turned into] shame? How long will you [my enemies] love worthless (vain, futile) things and seek deception and lies? Selah. But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself [and dealt wonderfully with] the godly man [the one of honorable character and moral courage—the one who does right]. The Lord hears and responds when I call to Him. Tremble [with anger or fear], and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed and be still [reflect on your sin and repent of your rebellion]. Selah. Offer righteous sacrifices; Trust [confidently] in the Lord. Many are saying, “Oh, that we might see some good!” Lift up the light of Your face upon us, O Lord. You have put joy in my heart, More than [others know] when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly. In peace [and with a tranquil heart] I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety and confident trust.”
Psalms 4:1-8 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.4.1-8.AMP
I love this..”answer me when I call..” to “the Lord hears and responds when I call..”to resolution “You alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.”
This is the beauty of writing to me. We begin with the complaint. We allow the Lord to take us to school. We humble ourselves and listen and read his word. And then we declare, over the night watches, God is here. God is moving. It is God who calms and counsels.
Bedtime can actually be a time of reassurance and rest, even when sleep does not come. I confess my sins to the Lord and He is faithful to forgive. I am so thankful the audio word of God. I can listen to the night prayers of the Psalms.
God is our comfort and our deliverance. In this, we walk forward into this day.
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