God's Glory Church

“I lie down and sleep and wake up because the Lord supports me.” — Psalm 3:6

Bad memories and remorse filled Sel’s mind. Fear filled the heart, and sweat stood out on the forehead. It was the night before his baptism, and he could not stop the onslaught of dark thoughts. Sel received salvation in Jesus and knew that his sins were forgiven, but the spiritual battle continued. Then his wife took his hand and prayed for him. In a moment, fear was replaced by peace in Sel’s heart. He stood up and wrote the words he wanted to share before his baptism, something he hadn’t been able to do before. After writing the text, he fell into a sweet sleep.

King David also knew what a restless night was like. Fleeing from his son Absalom, who wanted to seize his throne (2 Sam. 15-17), he knew that “ten thousand people…camped around [him]” (Ps. 3:7). David said with a groan: “How many are my enemies” (v. 2). Despite fear and doubts, he called out to God, to his “shield” (v. 4). However, later David realized and said: “I lie down and sleep… because the Lord supports me” (v. 6).

When fears and difficulties grip our minds, and rest turns to restlessness, we renew our hope if we turn to God in prayer. Even if we don’t immediately fall into a sweet sleep like Sel and David, in peace we will lie down and sleep… and live safely. God is with us and He will be our rest.

What oppresses your heart and mind? How to bring this burden to God in prayer?

Dear God, thank you that when I come to you in prayer, you fill my heart with hope and peace.

Author: Tom Felten