Resting in God’s Peace

Introduction: Do you have trouble sleeping? Obviously, this is not meant for the daytime! How can you have a peaceful night of sleep regardless of your circumstances?
 
Here are several biblical principles on sleep and rest.
 
1. Sweet “SLEEP” during a troubled time! (Psalm 3:5) – “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.”
 

King David was on the run… running for his life. Believe it or not, his own son Absalom was attempting to usurp authority over the king, his father. But as you read, “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.”

The key was that God held him together. The word “sustained” is סָמַך (samak), which means to lean or to support. It has the idea of upholding and actually relates to rest. Isn’t it amazing how God can do that when we trust Him? Truthfully, we are being sustained by our Lord these days. Will you thank Him?
 
2. Lay down and SLEEP in PEACE! (Psalm 4:8) – “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”
 

Think about it… Sleeping in peace, feeling secure! The word “safety” is בֶּטַח (betach). It has to do with security and safety. The word can also mean confidence and trust.

Do you feel secure? Safe? Confident? Peaceful?
 
3. SLEEP without fear! (Proverbs 3:24) – “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”
 
Instead of feeding our fear, Solomon is writing to fight our fear and feed our faith. Remember, God has not given us a spirit of fear… (2 Timothy 1:7).
 

Conclusion: Since our security, identity, and destiny are found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we can SLEEP in PEACE because our trust and faith are in Him.

So, SLEEP on, my friend, with His sweet rest!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese