Psalm 4 is an interesting look in the heart of David’s struggles as he sleeps. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) 40 million people have sleep disorders. 40 MILLION! 62% of adults experience weekly sleep problems keeping them from resting a full eight hours as recommended. Many people struggle with nightmares, restlessness, and even heart issues all because we lack good sleep.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8
When do you pray? After a long stressful day of being a single parent, or working extra hours at your job, how do you wind down? In this passage God gives us 8 ways to lead ourselves into a restful night of sleep.
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Pray God would give you relief from stress (4:1)
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Know the Lord has set you apart as faithful servants (4:3)
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The Lord hears our us when we call (4:3)
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Be silent and hear from the Lord (4:4)
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Sacrifice for the Kingdom (4:5)
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Trust the Lord (4:5)
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Let the Lord fill your heart with joy (4:7)
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Dwell in safety of the Lord (4:8)
God wants us to rest in Him and His safety as we rest. Maybe if we spent more time in prayer before we slept, we would find our sleep to be a restful experience enhanced by trusting God with our rest. If you suffer from sleep disorders, by all means seek medical help and assistance through modern day God-given solutions. But for many of us we need to start with prayer and taking rest in our Heavenly Father.
“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.”
Psalm 3:5