There are
numerous reasons why sleep eludes us, many of which we can’t do much about. But
sometimes unwanted wakefulness is caused by anxious thoughts, worry, or guilt.
It’s then that the example of David in Psalm 4 can help. He called out to God,
asking for mercy and for God to hear his prayer (v.1). He also reminded himself
that the Lord does hear him when he calls on Him (v.3). David encourages
us: “Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still” (v.4). Focusing our
minds on the goodness, mercy, and love of God for His world, our loved ones,
and ourselves can aid us in trusting the Lord (v.5).
The Lord
desires to help us set aside our worries about finding solutions to our
problems and place our trust in Him to work things out. He can “put gladness”
in our hearts (v.7), so that we might “lie down in peace, and sleep; for You
alone, O Lord, make [us] dwell in safety” (v.8).
Even when
we cannot sleep, God can give us rest. (RBC)
