Friday Psalm 4

Prayer: Teach us your ways, O God, through your Word and Holy Spirit. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dark, sacred night

(Adapted from Christ in Our Home – daily devotions)

⁸ I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

Do you suffer from insomnia? I don’t think I do, but I sympathize with our devotion writer, who goes to sleep quickly, but wakes in the middle of the night and struggles to fall back to sleep. On occasion I find myself awake at 2:30 AM and toss and turn for an hour or so before either getting up for a while, or finally falling asleep. I do occasionally take a sleeping aid, but I don’t like the dull feeling I often get when I wake up in the morning.

Some people use this awake time to see if God has a message that He wants to convey. I think I will try it next time because some find it a good time for prayer and thought. I already experience my mind going over recent experiences and/or thoughts about what I need to do tomorrow. It may, as others experience, a way to fall back to sleep peacefully and faster. OK, God, do you have something you want me to do, or an answer to my questions? Or, can I pray for others who are facing challenges in their lives?

³ But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.

Prayer: “Holy Spirit, may I rest in your presence and know peace. Amen.”

Psalm 4

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Psalm 4

Confident Plea for Deliverance from Enemies

To the leader: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

¹ Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
    You gave me room when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

² How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
    How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
³ But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

⁴ When you are disturbed, do not sin;
    ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
⁵ Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the Lord.

⁶ There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
    Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
⁷ You have put gladness in my heart
    more than when their grain and wine abound.

⁸ I will both lie down and sleep in peace,
    for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.