“I laid me down and slept; I awoke—for the Lord sustained me.”
Psalm 3:5
When His Promises form our mattress and His loving Arms our pillow, we need not worry if we’ll be able to sleep tonight.
Worries. Anxieties. Fears. Cares.
Regardless of what name you put on them, they’re still the same—these “robbers of our rest” at the end of day. Although they may seem to be in hiding during the daylight hours, they’re still there, lurking in the shadows. But, once the sun begins to set, they spring forth with renewed vigor, seeking to fill our heart and mind with foreboding thoughts of “what if” and “doom, despair and agony on me.”
Yet, David, who interestingly wrote today’s Manna while fleeing from his own son’s murderous overtures, was still able to find peace-of-mind and rest-of-body in spite of it all. No doubt his heart was aching as he thought about Absalom’s hateful actions toward him. Any parent’s who ever felt the terrible sting of a child’s open, rebellious ways knows full-well how he must have felt.
But, instead of focusing upon the accusations or vicious actions, he chose to focus upon the God of Abraham instead: “But, You, O Lord, are a Shield for me—my Glory and the Lifter Up of my head” (v.3). And, instead of suffering in silence, he “cried unto the Lord with his voice” (v.4a)—which, no doubt means he wept openly. . .his groanings of soul being quite audible and likely echoing in the hills or cave walls around him.
How pitiful the plight of such a mourner UNLESS the one weeping knows, like David, “He hears you out of His Holy Hill” (v.4b). Hallelujah!! That’s why David was able to “lie down and sleep.” He knew his all-seeing, all-hearing, all-loving Protector and Provider was on-duty 24/7/365 (Ps. 121) and would watch over him through the night—and there was no need for both of them to stay awake. Glory!!
The Hebrew word “camak” is used here for “sustain” and also means “to prop up, lean up, take hold of, find repose on, etc.” Thus, like one’s bed at night. . .with its sturdily-made frame . . .and sleep-inviting mattress. . .so is the Lord worthy of our trust. That’s why David went on to say “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about” (v.6). He knew his the same Shepherd Who’d “prepare a table before him in the presence of his enemies” (Ps. 23:5a) would also stand guard over him while he slept.
What about you, Pilgrim?
How’s your sleep at night? Like a much-loved baby, secure in his parents’ love? Or, do you toss and turn as sleep escapes you. . .your mind reliving the events of the day. . .as your fear-foes hoot and howl in your head, crying “What are you going to do?”
The “secret of serene slumber” is not a pill; it’s His Presence and unfailing Promises. Trust Him, weary one, and He will help you to “lie down in peace and sleep tonight” (Ps. 4:8). Instead of counting sheep, commune with the Shepherd. Whisper a prayer of gratitude for His constant care. Then, turn over, close your eyes, release everything to Him and go to sleep.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated August 15, 2009
