His gift to you: Quiet sleep.

Scripture: Psalm 3:5, Psalm 4:8

Insomnia is one of the many problems of today. The causes range from stress, fear, worry to over-tiredness, a busy schedule and ... and ...

In Psalm 3 the author on the one hand experiences fear and stress because his life is threatened by his son Absalom thus he bemoans his need of God. But on the other hand he declares his unwavering confidence in Him. God is the One who protects him, honors him, and lifts up his head. (v3). With this declaration of God (and himself) he realizes that  God knows him inside out and that he may loudly call out to Him for help(v4). It dawned to him that God is also "my God" (v7). No wonder then that he could make a declaration that knocked out his fear: "I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me."(Psalm 3:5)

In Christ you may also call God my God.  Because He cares and sustains you,  He is the only one who are able to deliver you and give hope to rise the next day. The Psalmist's situation did not necessarily change immediately after his prayer, but he got a divine perspective on his situation - a  perspective of faith that God protects him and that He is his God.

In Psalm 4 the source of his concern is his fellow man's accusations. He wonders how long they will keep it up but at the same time declares that their charges are dwarfed by God's ability to assist, to answer when he calls for help and that the joy He gives, even exceeds material prosperity by far.  Victoriously he finally calls out: "I would lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

The emotions we experience in difficult circumstances are normal, but when the believer can't  sleep and his joy is stolen from him, a red light should go on. Then the time has come to do what the Psalmist did: confess God's omnipotence thus calling yourself back into Hope.

Prayer: Lord, when sleep plays hide and seek with me at night, help me to remember that You are my God and that You will let me sleep in peace.