12 May | EVERYONE
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
The digital clock on the bedside table indicates that it is two in the morning and Lucy cannot fall asleep. Tomorrow will be an especially important day at work. She needs to be more lucid than ever, but the hours go by, and she cannot fall sleep. Disordered thoughts parade through her mind and anxiety takes hold of her heart.
Lucila's case is not the only one. Lack of sleep is one of the most common problems in people. The World Health Organization reports that 40% of the population sleeps poorly. This data is alarming because sleeping fewer hours than recommended impacts the body and leads to physiological and psychological disorders, such as stress or anxiety as well as negatively affecting work the next day.
The problem of insomnia is not something new. When he wrote Psalm 4, the psalmist was being persecuted by his enemies and falsely accused by his so-called friends. The misunderstanding that surrounded him caused him insomnia, and he lamented the difficult circumstances. However, he learned to live and sleep peacefully.
His secret? Trusting in God even though the dark clouds announced the next day's storm. David could sleep well at night, even in time of danger and surrounded by the wicked. He slept well because his security came from the Lord, not from circumstances or feelings.
Sleep tonight with the assurance that what you cannot do in your own strength the Lord will do for you.
God's promises never fail.
Take Action
How do you rest at night? There may be more than one reason for your insomnia, but is there any distress or fear that disturbs your sleep? If so, get to know God every day, learn to trust Him, and those disturbances will be relieved. Sing "Sleeping Peacefully" (if possible, with your family).