Psalm 127:2

New International Version (NIV)

In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

For Meditation

How well did you sleep last night?

Sometimes, it is a struggle to sleep at night. Many of us do. It can be uncomfortable, especially if we’re trying to avoid using substances that could add to our troubles.

Why are you losing sleep these days? Have you taken on so much work at the office that keeps your mind working at night? Have you taken on too much because of promotion and recognition? Let us take a survey of some causes of our insomnia.

Our sleepless nights could result from our overwhelming needs and wants. We check our provision in the house and see it running dry, and it scares us to death because the bank balance is too low for our shopping list. The bank might have sent a threatening call that has upset our minds. Our insomnia might have roots in a child gone astray and heaven’s unresponsiveness. It could be the strenuous relationship with the love of your life—the one you share a bed with, who might snore while you look at the ceiling through the night. We can find comfort and peace in all these struggles in Jesus and His faithful promises.

What did the doctor tell you about your medical report? Do you remember what we spoke about yesterday, about the blessedness of contentment and the Lord, who, when seen at the center of it all, brings the peace we need to knock us off to a restful sleep?

Jesus is the Master on the journey through life’s storms, sleeping on a cushion in the stern (Mk.4:38). He is the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, from whom your help comes (Psa. 121:1-2). Remember what the Spirit of God says in Psalm 127: Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stands guard in vain (v.1). It’s futile to toil without Him (v.2a). When we acknowledge this truth and yield our anxious thoughts to Jesus, who grants sleep to those He loves (v.2b), comfortable sleep will come to you as quickly as He commands it.

Let’s remember our Lord’s comforting words, my friend. He assures us we are more valuable than the birds of the air and the flowers of the field that He feeds and adorns with unmatched beauty (Matt. 6:25-26). Worrying won’t add a single hour to your life, so cast your worries on Jesus, your burden-bearer, and find the rest you need as His disciple (Matthew 11:28). Otherwise, call on Him in repentance (Acts 2:38) and surrender your life to Him to receive the gift of eternal life (Jn. 1:12-13; Rom. 10:9-10, 13).

Pray with Me

 Father, I thank you for this reminder that without you, all my efforts are vain and worthless. You made me, and you know my inmost thoughts that keep me awake at night. Please help me surrender all my burdens and cares to you and trust your providential care through the storms and crucibles of life. I pray this, assured of your gracious response in the matchless and beautiful name of your Son, who has become my Lord and Savior, Jesus Messiah. Amen.