Tuesday, January 3, 2012

150 Days of Psalms - Day 3

According to Health.com there are 11 surprising benefits of sleep.
1. Better Memory
2. Live longer
3. Curb Inflammation
4. Spur Creativity
5. Be a Winner
6. Improve Your Grades
7. Sharpen Attention
8. Have a Healthy Weight
9. Lower Stress
10. Avoid Accidents
11. Steer Clear of Depression

Hmm. OK.

I tend to lose sleep around big events - "the Tree" and The Passion Play are two of those. My mind goes 1,000 miles an hour thinking of all of the things that need to be done.

Many lose sleep because they are going through difficult times and life has thrown some really big issues at them. Some lose sleep because they are being pursued by their enemies as David was when he wrote this Psalm.

David was able to sleep even though Absalom was pursuing him. But because of his faith in God he was able to lie down and sleep.
He could sleep because he knew God was his shield. This Psalm is his testiimony of how he cries out to God, God answers him, so he can sleep and not fear even though a thousand people have taken a stand against him.


Whatever situations you find yourself in today, work hard, plan, dream, pray, do what you need to... but ultimately remember this

v.6 Salvation belongs to the Lord.

Put your trust in Him and sleep well tonight.

2 comments:

Irene said...

I read Psalm 3 today before I saw your post. Verse 3 especially spoke to me, and I had to write it down and stick it on my computer. Keeping that one verse in mind can get me through the most difficult day and bring me JOY! I praise You and thank You, God!

Phyllis Hobson said...

I was waiting for Psalm 3! I especially love (and cling to) verse 5 (which you highlighted in your post): "I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me."

Over 15 years ago, I had a family 'event' that resulted in a lot of discord on particular day. I felt so hurt and emptied by the end of the day, and opened my Bible to the Psalm and it came right to that verse. I realized how much God could care for me, and take over all that had happened, and give me a good night's rest. I didn't think I could ever get to sleep that night, but just reading that Psalm and especially that verse let me get the rest I needed.