Psalm 3:5

New Living Translation (NLT)

I lay down and slept,
yet I woke up in safety,
for the Lord was watching over me

For meditation

Yesterday was a very busy day for me. It started the week before when our visiting Pastor from Ghana arrived. Our schedule was heavy, and many other things screamed for my attention. The week went very well, but it was very exhausting. On Monday, we travelled to our village outreach church and returned completely wasted. I was, therefore, looking forward to a restful day after our guest Pastor’s departure. However, our telecom company had other plans for me. My internet had problems and I spent the rest of the day in their office getting it fixed. By the time I got home, I was ready for a good night sleep. As I lay in bed, thinking through the week, I was thankful to God for everything, including the opportunity to finally talk to my wife and children by Skype. Then, it was morning!

1. How did I get here today?
2. When did I sleep?
3. What happened during the hours I can call, “a natural blackout period?”
4. What happened to all the worries and fears of yesterday and the fear of today?
5. How did I wake up to such a beautiful new day I never knew before, and the fresh air I breathe now?

I know you have the same story to tell, because you are reading this message. You may have had challenges and exhausting situations in the past week like I did. Maybe, many worrisome situations stared you in the face as you went to bed yesterday. You may have had little strength and needed a refreshing touch. Then all of a sudden, it was morning, and you are asking yourself the same questions I asked. I assure you that you will come up with the same answer I had: It is the grace of God!

David has the same story to tell (Ps. 3:1-8). His son was after his life. Some of his best friends had joined forces with young Absalom in his rebellion, and David’s flight away from Jerusalem was tedious and exhausting (2 Sam. 15:1-16-23). Many things were on his mind: the events of the day, his many foes and detractors (Ps. 3:1-2). But, David lay down and slept; and it was day (5a)!

David confesses that it was because “the Lord was watching over me” (5c). God gave him a good night’s sleep (Ps. 127:2b) and another day to live “in safety” (3:5b). Therefore, he will fear no foe, and them that assail him on every side (6). He commits them to God’s hands (7) and rests in His delivering hands and blessings (8).

Like David, we all have God to thank for last night’s sleep and another day added to our lives. It is good to remember that God sustained us throughout the night, and has given us renewed strength to wake up for another day and to live for His glory. Many did not get it like we have, and we should not take it for granted. It is completely grace.

So, let us be thankful and glorify Jesus with our lives today.

Shalom