“I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me” (Psalm 3:5).

There are times when it is extremely difficult to sleep. Adverse circumstances, fears, griefs, and heartaches can grip us and cause sleepless nights. In Psalm 6 David experienced this type of sleeplessness: “Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. I am weary with my groaning, all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears” (vv.2,6).

There are times when we must spend the night crying out to God for peace and direction. But on the whole, we should still be able to find rest throughout the night even though grave problems surround us. Peter seems to be the classic example of one who had the distinct possibility of being beheaded the next morning, yet was sound asleep when the angel came to release him from prison (Acts 12:6,7). He didn’t spend a sleepless night worrying.

David eventually learned, despite the problems, how to get a good night’s sleep, leaning on the following two promises. The Lord would sustain him. “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me” (Psalm 3:5). That same sustaining power is available to everyone who claims God’s preserving presence. David experienced this as a direct result of answered prayer. “I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill” (Psalm 3:4). The Lord would protect him. “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou LORD, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). David depended upon the moment by moment protection of God. He understood, and so should we, that, “He that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:3,4). God is awake, so why fear? He has promised to sustain and protect us. NPS