Have you been losing sleep lately?

I am convinced that one way the enemy attacks us is by throwing stressors our way so that we spend our nights in worry instead of rest. And then when our defenses are down due to weariness, temptation is much more difficult to resist, we forget the promises of God and attempt to live our life on our own worn-down strength.

Certainly the elevated turmoil in the world, and our daily personal challenges, can snowball into quite a recipe for peace-robbing sleepless nights.

I am also convinced that there is a direct connection between prayer and sleep!

Look at what David says in Psalm 4:8…

“In peace I will lie down and sleep for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”

How does David arrive at such a proclamation? Especially since Psalm 4 begins with anything but peaceful sleep, read verses 1-2, I think you will see David is losing sleep because of the troubles in his life:

“…free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations?”

David has much on his mind, his joy and peace have been taken away, but he also realizes that God loves him and is available to hear his cry. I can spend my nights in worry, which leads to sleepless nights, or I can take it to Jesus in prayer and trust in Him as He restores my peace.

David goes on in verse 4-5…

“Don’t sin by letting anger control you…offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord.”

The enemy loves to see our anger burn as we wile the nights away in worry, but David admonishes us to trust God with our worry instead. Offer prayers of thanksgiving, and watch contentment grow. Pray for those that would seek you harm and watch your anger melt. Go to sleep trusting God, knowing that He alone can keep you safe.

Your friend in the Gospel,
Matt