Saturday 11th April
Read Psalm 3:5-6
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. 6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
The whole of Psalm 3, and especially verses 5-6, is a prayer that illustrates Phil4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” David cried out to God in prayer, then he went to a rough camp bed in the wilderness not knowing what tomorrow would bring. Is it a surprise to you that he could sleep? So often the burdens of the day reappear in the ‘wee small hours’. David awoke safe and sound because he had shared his burdens with the Lord before sleep. Even when he woke up to hear that tens of thousands were possibly set against him, he was not afraid knowing that he had already expressed his dependence and trust in God, his shield, glory and lifter of his head! But it’s not that simple you say, remember David had a lifetime of prayer practice, his experience of God’s grace gave him ample reason to sleep well.
Geoff Hinch
