I will both lay down in peace and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:8
He giveth His beloved sleep. – Psalms 127:2
He guides our feet, He guards our way,
His morning smiles bless the day;
He spreads the evening veil, and keeps
The silent hours while Israel sleeps. – J. Watts
Sleep seems to be a much sought after commodity during biblical times. So in some ways times haven’t changed much if the amount of money we all spend on sleep aids, sleep comfort beds and pillows, and sleeping pills is any indication. Anxiety about the future in my case, and I suspect in the case of many, is the biggest obstacle to a good night’s sleep.
During Lent we practice “resting in the Lord.” We learn to yield ourselves up to His providence, in a delightful consciousness of His tender mercies; no more restless uncertainties, no more anxious desires, an no more impatience at the place we are in.
Tomorrow begins Holy Week. Begin it like the little bird Martin Luther spotted in the tree. He said, “ That little bird has had its supper, and now it’s getting ready to go to sleep here, quite secure and content, never troubling what its food will be, or where its lodging on the morrow. Like David, it ‘abides under the shadow of the Almighty.’ It sits on its little twig content, and lets God take care.”
Even if we feel stuck out on a limb, we know that rest comes when we trust in the Lord.
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