Unhindered Sleep
Today’s Verse:
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. ~Psalm 3:5
Sleeping is a necessary part of daily life. Our bodies rejuvenate when we sleep. Proper sleep is a necessity against the risks of cancer, hypertension, and other dangerous health disorders. The right amount of sleep is necessary for a strong immune system and good health. Unfortunately, an alarming number of people, including Christians, have problems sleeping. Bad sleep can be attributed to disorders such as low magnesium or sleep apnea. Bad sleep can also be attributed to anxious care. In Psalm 3, David teaches us the pathway to a good night’s sleep. Let us see how all of us can achieve unhindered sleep.
We see the threat of overwhelming FEAR.
“LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah,” vs. 1-2. David wrote this Psalm when he was running from Absalom. We are told in II Sam. 15:12 that after Ahithophel joined Absalom, the number of the people increased continually with Absalom. The appearance was that David lost the kingdom. More were against him than were for him. The conspiracy had written David off as a loser and a dead man. An incredible amount of anxiety overwhelms us when we feel like we are not in control of our situation. Panic sets in and we feel like our problems are increasing. David was experiencing the plight of sleepless nights. His imagination got the best of him. Fear and anxiety are two deadly foes that can rob us of our appetite, concentration, confidence, and also our sleep.
We see the thrust of over-the-top FAITH.
“But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah,” vs.3-4. An over-the-top faith begins with realizing Who God is! David acknowledged God as his shield, the One Who lifted him from his broken condition, and the God Who answers prayer. As soon as David recognized God’s authority in his life, he had the means to approach God on holy ground. Over-the-top faith praying is unlike any other praying. It is praying in the Holy Ghost, Who labors fervently in prayer. It is praying that does not let go of God until we receive what we are praying for. It is life-and-death praying. It is praying that calls on God to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. It is praying that gets a hold of God, so that the fear no longer has a hold on us!
We see the thrill of overcoming FULFILLMENT.
“I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about,” vs. 5-6. David has attained great victory! He is overflowing with joy and peace in what God is doing for him. First, he is not afraid of the size and threat of the enemy. When we pray through a difficult situation, God takes away all of our fears. If our fear still plagues us, it is either we did not pray earnestly enough or we did not pray at all. Second, David said, “I laid me down and slept; I awaked…” He got his sleep back! He had a restful night’s sleep. When he awoke, there was peace and satisfaction that the Lord was in control of this situation. He was the beneficiary of overcoming fulfillment. It wasn’t his army or a man who solved David’s problem: it was God Who stepped in and took control. David was a man living in holy fulfillment despite a situation that looked as if he was doomed.
Sleepless nights due to anxiety can become a stronghold. Don’t lose another night of sleep. Pray through your situation and watch God arise on your behalf.
Have a victorious God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 28-30