Sleep in Peace
God stays awake so that you don't have to.
From the file of wise sayings from grandma, I remember this one: “God stays awake so that you don’t have to.” Psalm 121 puts it this way, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth … He who watches over you will not slumber … the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more.”
Yes, your almighty God has good enough eyesight to read the label on your shirt from his satellite’s view in heaven. He also is caring enough as your spiritual Father to count your hairs and be part of your personal, everyday life like a dad wants to be there for his child. Sleep in God’s peace close to him who keeps you safe. God knows what brand of toothpaste you use before you go to bed and how many times you swish it over which cavities. God is awake watching you roll over and hit the snooze on the alarm. God stays by your side every second in between, every second that next day, and every second forever. “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).
Alone! “You alone, O Lord.” Blessed are those who do not put their trust in insurance policies, car alarms, investment portfolios, or increased airport security measures. These are helpful, but not invincible. Stay close to the Lord if you want perfect safety.
Like David facing the giant threat of Goliath, approach your frightening obstacles with peaceful confidence – close to him who keeps you safe. Like the Israelites pulling the covers over their heads for yet another plague in Egypt, and running from Pharaoh’s army between walls of water high above, peacefully cross your thresholds without fear – close to him who keeps you safe. Like Jacob traveling in search of a spouse and a career and the meaning of life, you may not know all the answers but you can put your feet squarely on the floor each morning with the peaceful certainty of grace and guidance – close to him who keeps you safe. Learn from the trembling disciples rebuked by Jesus who slept silently while a storm rocked their boat and shook their resolve – the vessel of faith with Jesus in it will not sink no matter how violent the circumstances. He promises, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed” (Isaiah 54:10).
“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.” Sleep, then, little one. Rest in childlike faith. God does hear and answer your prayer. Sleep in God’s peace.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you tenderly take children of faith into your arms and promise us security. You lead little lambs on safe paths and promise us that everything will be okay. Forgive us, Good Shepherd, for doubting in your protective love, and for denying you the right to allow us trouble that will not harm us. Your perfect Word sustains all things, silently commanding winds to blow, seeds to sprout, leaves to fall, seasons to change, birds to migrate, oceans to drift, and rain to fall. When we sleep, you are the beat of our hearts and the breath of our lungs. Grant us your perfect peace, now and forever. Amen.