Starburst, my golden doodle, literally can sleep anywhere. She sleeps with toys in her mouth. She sleeps on her back with her legs in the air. She sleeps on the hard floor, couch, pillows…whatever. She just sleeps. I am kinda jealous to be honest.
Sleep and pain of any kind are a hard pair. When I allow my mind to cycle through the worries, when my body hurts, when circumstances are heavy, night is a very hard time. So, as I transition to the Psalms to find peace (literally and figuratively, I do not have to go far to find David wrestling with the very same thing.
Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me. You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 4:1
My God who is my righteousness. Answer me. God has freed me, God is gracious to me. And he hears my prayers. He hears the prayers of those who pray on my behalf. His grace is sufficient. I type these things out and know that he has done all of these things. What I love about this first verse is David reminds himself. David calls to the LORD, reminding him. this Psalm was written as he was fleeing Absalom. Running for his life. He was fleeing from his son.
How long, exalted ones, will my honor be insulted? how long will you love what is worthless and purse a lie? Know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.
Psalm 4:2-3
Chills me to read this, as he is speaking of his own child and those that have chosen to follow Absalom. This prayer right here~how long will you love what is worthless and pursue a lie? I know this prayer and pray this fervently. May the truth be revealed. May the lies be exposed. May God’s truth be revealed. The faithful are set apart. He hears when the faithful call. Shed what is worthless. I pray I have eyes to see God’s truth and pray this for my loved ones.
Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Offer sacrifices in righteousness and trust in the LORD.
Psalm 4:4-5
One thing I have been doing for quite awhile when I cannot sleep is listen to Scripture. I can, of course, listen with the Youversion Bible App. Two other ways, one is the Dwell App. They have many versions, many people that read, you can set the Bible to music. They have many reading plans, playlists. It’s been a lovely blessing to the night hours. Finally, there is also Soak Streams on YouTube. 12 hours of listening to the word of God. Reflecting in my heart and being still. Trusting.
Many are asking, “who can show us anything good?” Let the light of your face shine on us, LORD.
Psalm 4:6
Let the light of your face shine on us, LORD. May you shed light in the places where unbelief or lies shade our understanding. May you shine and break through the darkness. May you be glorified as people see the truth and are freed.
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound.
Psalm 4:7
Joy is not found in circumstances. Joy is not found in plenty or wealth. Joy is found only in the LORD. May this truth be planted deep in my heart today.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.
Psalm 4:8
I grab hold of this promise. I grab hold of peace that only can be found in the LORD.
Leave A Reply