We just got back from the airport after picking up uncle Elvis and auntie Linda who flew in from Philadelphia. They are on their way to the General Assembly of the Church of God in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s always great to fellowship with servants of God who have made lasting impacts in our lives and others. There are days when I could barely sleep at night and the result is headache, runny nose, and sneezing which my doctor calls “allergic rhinitis” – making my condition sounds worse than it appears to be :)
Psalm 4 contains a recipe for a good night sleep. The last verse states, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Down in the middle of this psalm resonates with the same message, “Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still, offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.”
At the beginning of this psalm David calls on God and addresses Him, thus, “O God of my righteousness.” He acknowledges that one’s righteousness comes only and only from God and not from man. He looks back at his past trials and tribulations and honors God, “You have relieved me in my distress.”
In verse 4, he echoes the same principle found in the New Testament written by Paul, “Be angry, and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26).
How do these verses relate to a good night’s sleep? Think of the goodness of God in your life as you lie in bed. Nay, meditate upon it. Acknowledge His righteous character, which is the very same righteousness imputed in us which makes us heirs of His promises. Go to bed free from anger. Yes, you can be angry but do not sin. Be angry and unburden your soul to the Lord but determine not to let hatred reign in your heart.
As a child of God, we don’t go to bed as condemned sinners but as redeemed, set free people of God whose righteousness emanates from the cross through Jesus’ perfect sacrifice; His death delivered us and dealt a crushing blow to the enemy. Realize that you are a precious child “set apart for Himself” (verse 3) . Now that should calm our nerves and put us to a good night sleep :) (Written: 14JULY2016)