Listen

Many people say, “We can’t find goodness anywhere. The light of your face has left us, Lord!” But you have filled my heart with more joy than when their wheat and wine are everywhere! I will lie down and fall asleep in peace because you alone, Lord, let me live in safety.

Psalm 4:6-8

Think

Today’s scripture declares that “I will lie down and fall asleep in peace” when I rest in God’s presence. As someone who experiences seasons where sleep is hard to come by, I love that the psalm mentions both lying down and falling asleep. I’ve learned that sometimes, the hardest part is simply lying down: I may be anxious about getting into bed because I anticipate trouble falling asleep. Because of that, I don’t make it to the “falling asleep” part because the “lying down” is daunting.

Maybe lying down and sleeping are no problem for you. Anxiety creeps in about other things throughout your day: decisions you have to make, things you need to do, conversations you are dreading. Fear and anxiety can make it difficult to even begin these tasks. We might rather lie down and sleep! No matter what we face, today’s scripture reassures us that God is with us each step of the way, from the beginning through the end.

Paris Ball

Question to Ponder:

What are the parts of your daily life where you could use God’s assurance and strength to just get started?

Pray

God of peace and safety, I am often overwhelmed and do not know where to start. But you have assured me that you are with me, from the start all the way through. Be with me today in all my day’s choices and chores and help me continue to rest in you each step of the way.

Amen.

Go

May God’s comfort and peace surround, enfold, and protect you

Remaining with you from this day and forevermore.

Amen.