Psalm 4:8 - Peaceful Sleep.
Psalm 4:8 (NLT) I will lie down in peace and
sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.
Psalm 4:8 (CWR) At night I will sleep in
peace because the Lord watches over me and keeps
me safe.
INTRODUCTION
Rest for Your Souls
Have you heard about Randy Gardner, who,
in 1963, broke the world record for not
sleeping? His time of 11 days and 25 minutes without
sleep remains on the books to this day. Can you
imagine it? For most of us, just missing a single
night's sleep would be enough to test our sanity!
Even after decades of research, sleep
remains a big mystery to scientists. But we do know
that sleep is as fundamental to the human
experience as eating and breathing. We need regular
rest to live well, or at all. Yet, getting good
sleep seems to be much harder in our day. We have
anxiety over piles of unpaid bills, work troubles,
poor health, and the endless train of world
crises trumpeted on the news - a seemingly endless
list that keeps us up at night.
That's why today's Bible text should help
us get our much-needed rest. There is a
contingency of society who experiences no nightly
terrors or bleary-eyed mornings: those to whom "the
name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous
run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10).
There's no need to lay awake at night counting sheep
when God's promise of safety ensures a peaceful
sleep.
Living every day in obedience to the Word
of the Lord is like dwelling atop "a strong
tower" or within the well-fortified walls of a
fortress. When we dwell, or abide, in God, only then
can we, as the prophet says, "find rest for
[our] souls" (Jeremiah 6:16). We can sleep easily
because we know what the future brings. Even though
the world is crumbling around us, we know that
our eternal life is secure in the hands of God,
our Protector.
My Refuge and Shield, You are the only
solution to insomnia. May I rest peacefully in the
promises of Your Word. [The Most Amazing Bible
Promises by Amazing Facts]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Sweet Slumber
By any measure drug and alcohol
dependence has become one of our greatest social
problems. The issue isn't just illegal drugs; many
depend on alcohol or over-the-counter or
prescription drugs just to face each day or to get to
sleep at night.
I'm not a doctor, of course, and I fully
realize some drugs have a legitimate place under
careful medical supervision. But in my experience
far too many people turn first to drugs or
alcohol instead of to God. Rather than face their
problems and deal with them (with God's help), they
use drugs or alcohol to escape.
But such solutions" never work, and in
fact only make things worse. No wonder the book
of Proverbs warns that alcohol "at the last
bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper"
(Prov. 23:32).
Don't let anything substitute for God. He
loves you, and He wants to give you peace - the
peace that comes from knowing Him. Jesus' promise
to His followers is true: "I will give you
rest" (Matt. 11:28).
No place, product, or person can bring us
the peace and safety our soul desire. Only
Jesus can satisfy our deepest longings. [Hope for
Each Day by Billy Graham]
COMMENTARY
Each morning when my husband, Jeff, and I
wake up, we say the same three words to each
other - and they aren't "Good morning, darling!"
Nope. We say, "Did you sleep?" Sleep is an elusive
prize in the Dyson household.
Jeff has trouble sleeping because of
aches and pains in his feet, knees, and legs from
old football injuries and forty years of
tramping across concrete floors at his family's
hardware store. My aches and pains start a bit higher
up - in my head.
The minute I turn out the light and close
my eyes, I'm treated to an instant replay of
all the ways I messed up during the day. Next,
my mind transports me to all that can
potentially go wrong the following day. And when I
finish with that, I worry about my family, all
sixteen of them, one by one. By then, it's time to
get up.
"Have you ever thought about turning your
worries over to Jesus?" my friend Sue suggested.
Of course I'd thought about it. Easier
said than done.
Nonetheless, I decided it was worth a
try. I knelt by my bed and asked Jesus if I could
cast my cares on Him. I felt His assent. He led
me to read Psalm 4:8. I've memorized that
verse, and when I turn out the light, I repeat
those soothing words as I drift off to sleep and
rest peacefully with Jesus. Pat Butler Dyson
Faith Step: If worry keeps you up at
night, memorize Psalm 4:8. Then imagine resting
peacefully beside Jesus. [Mornings With Jesus 2024
Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]
I have trouble falling asleep sometimes,
probably because in the quiet darkness, I often start
thinking about troubling things. Recently, I started
doing something different that's helping.
No spiritual rocket science here. I just
practice gratitude, in bed, in the dark.
Here's my routine: I usually read a
little before turning out the light and getting
comfy under the comforter. (I love that its
called a "comforter.") Then I begin a quick review
of the goodness that surrounds me at that
moment and in my day that is ending.
Like last night, my first thankful
thought was for my husband, who was peacefully
asleep next to me. Then for the feel and smell of
the clean sheets I put on our bed that day.
Next, I remembered a moment in church
that morning when I looked around and saw so many
people I know and feel known by. I know their
stories; they know mine, which brings such comfort.
I also saw people I didn't yet know whose
stories will stretch me and bring new life into our
community.
Finally, I thought of the fresh ripe red
strawberries in our refrigerator. They are in season now
and I love how they look and how they tasted
today.
These are ordinary things and ordinary
moments that might easily be taken for granted but
they become sacred and comforting when I
recognize God's presence in all that is good. I thank
Him, which is a good way to end the day.
Then I fall asleep filled with gratitude
rather than worries.
Lord, acknowledging You as the faithful
Giver of all goodness in my days helps me sleep
peacefully. Carol Kuykendall [Walking in Grace 2021
Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]
When my kids were little, I loved holding
them as they fell asleep in my arms. We would be
at some event, a school program or concert, and
they would inevitably beg to be held. Next thing
I knew, they'd nestle into my shoulder, close
their eyes, and cling to my neck as they drifted
off. I like to think they fell asleep so easily
in those moments because they felt safe. They
knew that I would hold them, protect them, and
keep them safe from anything or anyone who might
try to harm them.
We can rest in the security of our
Father's arms the same way. There's nothing we have
to fear because he's never going to leave us.
He will hold us close and protect us.
God always has your back. When you feel
overwhelmed and anxious, remember that you can
experience his peace simply by praying and sensing his
Spirit within you. As you lie awake at night, your
mind spinning through all the demands and
struggles of your day, you can let go. No matter how
big, scary, or intimidating the circumstance,
he's got you.
Let yourself relax today and give God
thanks for being such a loving Father, one who
holds you close and reassures you of his presence
no matter what you're facing.
Dear God, I'm so grateful for your peace
when life's worries begin to overwhelm me. Thank
you for holding me close as your beloved child.
[Daily Power by Craig Groeschel]
CLOSING THOUGHT
Stop Seeking Happiness
Many people say, "Who will show us better
times?" Let your face smile on us, LORD. You have
given me greater joy than those who have abundant
harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie
down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep
me safe.
(Psalm 4:6-8, NLT)
Only humanity has a longing for meaning
in life. I can assure you that my dog doesn't
sit around pondering the reason for his
existence. He won't be looking back on his life and
saying, "You know, I tried it all as a dog. I chased
cats. I drank toilet water. I tried bones. But
deep inside of me, there was a void." Dogs don't
think that way. They mainly think, Food
sleep.
Dogs, you see, aren't made in the image
of God. But you and I have been created in His
image. We are living souls, designed to know God
and to live above this mundane existence that we
call life. FROM THE TIME OF OUR BIRTH, WE HAVE
BEEN ON A QUEST, AND THE ANSWER TO ALL OF OUR
QUESTIONS IS FOUND IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. GOD CAN
GIVE US PLEASURE THAT FAR SURPASSES THE PUNY,
FLEETING PLEASURES THIS WORLD OFFERS. And the good
news is there is no hangover in the morning.
There is no guilt that accompanies it. As Psalm
16:11 says, "In Your presence is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
There is pleasure in knowing God, not in chasing
after happiness.
I have discovered that I never will find
happiness by chasing it. But what we will find is that
as we chase God, if we will, as we pursue God
and walk with Him, then one day we will realize
we became happy people. Happiness doesn't come
through actively seeking it but by getting our lives
into proper balance. Happiness and joy are the
byproducts of that balance.
It's like the Lord Jesus said. If you
seek God and His plan first, everything else in
life - including happiness and peace - will fall
into place. [Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie]
COMMENTARY APPLICATION
3 Psalms to Read When You Cant Sleep
Some nights I'm left looking at my
ceiling or my iPhone wondering why I can't seem to
go to sleep. I have, however, found ways to
help myself relax, making it easier to fall
asleep. One of which is to read the Bible,
specifically the Psalms. The beautiful poetry of the
Psalms mixed with the power of God's Word almost
always puts my nerves to rest so I can get some
shuteye.
If youre like me and sometimes need
help getting to sleep, I want to share with you
my favorite psalms to read to help me surrender
to rest:
1. Psalm 116
Return to your rest, my soul, for the
LORD has been good to you. - Psalm 116:7 NIV
Psalm 116:7 is a Psalm I memorized almost
10 years ago. It is my first go-to scripture to
say over and over to myself on a sleepless
night. I say it slow to really think about the
words. I'm reminded that my soul can rest, because
the Lord is good and I have so much evidence of
His goodness in my life. I then start to think
about all the good the Lord is doing and has done
for me. This scripture reminds me that God is
with me and that gives me a peace that relaxes my
mind, body and soul.
2. Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for
you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. -
Psalm 4:8 NIV
After a super busy day you would think
the only thing my body would want to do is
quickly fall asleep. Nope! I've realized a busy day
usually leads to more difficulties falling asleep.
My mind races with everything that happened
that day and what might happen tomorrow.
What will happen tomorrow?
What will happen next year?
What if something bad happens to me? My
husband? My children?
There is nothing worse than trying to
fall asleep on anxious thoughts. It's during
these times I love to pull out Psalm 4. It always
reminds me God is in control, He is my protection,
and I can trust Him. Now that's some truth I can
sleep on.
3. Psalm 91
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most
High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. You
will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow
that flies by day. For he will command his angels
concerning you to guard you in all your ways. - Psalm
91:1,5,11
During the day, I'm not thinking about
scary thoughts. But as soon as I hit the pillow
they all want to attack. And fear is the enemy of
sleep. Which is why I absolutely adore Psalm 91.
I've only listed a few verse from the Psalm above
but, if you have time, or find yourself losing
sleep due to fear, I highly suggest you read this
Psalm in its entirety. It reminds me God will not
only protect me, but He will defend me as well.
Psalm 91 reveals that my fearful thoughts don't
even come close to the power my God has to
overcome them.
I have yet to face a battle that the Lord
has not addressed in His Word. This includes my
struggle to fall asleep some nights. It is the Word
of God that helps me to let go of the worries
of this world and grasp how trustworthy our God
is. And leaning on His truths, even on sleepless
nights, feels like God Himself is rocking me to
sleep. So the next time you have trouble falling
asleep go ahead and give these Psalms a try. It is
my prayer that the truth of God's word produces
a peace in your soul that leads to many nights
of good sweet sleep.
Editors Note: This devotional was
adapted from Christina Pattersons 3 Psalms to
Read When You Cant Sleep. You can read that
piece in full here. By Christina Patterson at
BibleStudyTools.com!
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Psalm 4:8 - Peaceful Sleep.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20170409-0950.html
Psalm 127:1, 2 - Leave God Out Of The
Picture And Suffer The Consequences!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2007/20070614-1132.html
Proverbs 3:21-26 - SEEKING SECURITY
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190404-1045.html
Psalm 91:1 - Promises with a Prerequisite.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210513-0933.html
Psalm 91:11 - God has angels watching over
us.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20040924-0935.html
Psalm 116:7 (NIV) Be at rest once more, O my
soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
Devotional pending.
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/
