1Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:1-8 NIV

All of us have to sleep, God created us that way. Someone may get a lot of sleep and others may require little sleep, but our bodies need to rest in order to re energize for the next day. There are times when stressful events keep us awake. Restful sleep taunts us as a treasure that is just beyond reach.

I have prayed for many people to experience restful sleep. I use two verses to claim God’s promises about sleep, Psalm 4:8 and 127:2. In today’s verse, King David addresses two stressors that have kept sleep from his eyes, lack of peace and feeling safe.

In verse 5 David writes, “many are asking who will bring us into prosperity?” David reveals the stress of being a leader of God’s people. He is responsible for results of good. He feels the weight of responsibility for caring for others. This is a task that he knows he is incapable of doing without God’s help. Lack of peace on his job is causing him stress.

Your stolen peace many times comes from two sources, broken relationship with God or others. God can grant you peace to sleep. He may also suggest an action to include as a way forward. Get right with God first. Confession to God cleans up your broken fellowship with Him, 1 John 1:9 –If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Giving thanks and blessing words and prayers starts preparing your heart to address the broken fellowship that exists with another. Even if you are being treated unjustly, you have the ability to bless others and are commanded to love your enemies. May you experience God’s peace over the stress of what others are thinking about you or expecting from you.

Who watches over you while you sleep? God does. He who never sleeps nor slumbers is watching over you. In Psalm 127:2 it is written, “He grants sleep to those He loves” or in another version “He gives to His beloved even in their sleep.” God loves to give to His children while they are sleeping.

Do your part to seek peace with God and others. Claim the promise that God watches over you while you sleep. Give God thanks for giving restful sleep for you and refreshing you while you sleep.

On this Fear Not Friday, you do not have to fear getting rest while you sleep. God knows what you need. Align your heart for peace and trust that sleep will be restful. Sweet dreams.

Blessings Love y’all

PS You may want to read this one at night, just before going to sleep. 🙂 I would also like to hear any stories of God helping you have restful as you move forward claiming His promise to give you sleep.