Our Reading:  Psalm 3 and Ephesians 4:26 

Have you ever had a sleepless night where you couldn’t get the thoughts in your head to turn off? Has your mind replayed spoken words and troubling details like a recording on a continuous loop? Or perhaps you weren’t as focused on what had already transpired but instead, were troubled by what was yet to unfold. Did you dwell on the fear, anxiety and anticipation of what the future might hold?

I think we all could identify with times when we have wrestled with troubling thoughts and sleepless nights. After all, we can not control all of the events and circumstances that impact us. David also knew what it was like to be in dire circumstances. He was pursued on multiple occasions by those whom he loved and yet they meant him harm. But David gives us the answer to gaining peace of mind and restful sleep. 

“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭3:3‬ ‭

David placed his inability to control his circumstances into the hands of the One who could control all circumstances. David used beautiful imagery of God as:

-A shield about Him: We can take comfort in knowing that God can protect us and will not let anything touch us that has not been first sifted through His loving hands. Even difficult trials can be transformed by God into what He purposes for good.

-his glory: We can take our focus off of earthly troubles and focus as David did on the majesty and awe of God’s presence with us. Honoring and pleasing God should far outweigh anything else in our life, including the opinions of man or any material gain/ position.

-the lifter of his head: When our head is bowed down with weariness, depression or worry, we can find renewed comfort, hope, and strength as we surrender our circumstances to Him. He will carry our burdens for us and lift our countenance as we lean on Him. 

David focused on God’s ability vs his inability. He poured out his heart to God and then he rested in the knowledge that God heard his prayer.

“I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.” Psalm‬ ‭3:4-5‬ ‭

Reflection:

1. How do you cope with sleepless nights and troubling thoughts? 
2. When you can’t sleep, do you turn to the Lord in prayer and seek wisdom in His Word?
3. Can you entrust your circumstances to God? 

Let’s Pray:

Father, We thank you for being a shield around us to protect us in this fallen world. May the splendor of Your Glory surround us with awe and wonder as we turn our eyes from worldly cares to focus on You, our Creator. We thank You for being the One who sustains us day by day. Grant us Your peace Lord and the blessing of restful sleep as we learn to trust in Your love and provision for our needs.           

Becky