A Prescription for Insomnia

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.  

Psalm 4:8

I punched my pillow and turned over in bed for what seemed the fiftieth time. I just couldn’t get to sleep!

With a sigh of envy, I recalled how easily my daughter’s baby had fallen asleep earlier this evening. The minute his mother sat down in the rocker with him, he’d settled his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes. Safe and secure in her arms, he’d quickly drifted off.

I wish I could fall asleep like that, I thought, staring at the ceiling. Maybe I should call the doctor tomorrow and ask for something to help me sleep.

In the dark room the numbers on the bedside clock glowed brightly. It was 1 a.m. In disgust I decided to get up. Maybe reading for a while would help.

I switched on the living-room light and reached for my Bible. Turning to Psalms, I began to scan the opening chapters. I had just begun the fourth when a verse caught my attention.

The verse was about sleep. It said, In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

Apparently, the Psalmist could fall asleep as fast as my grandson---unlike me. I re-read the verse slowly. Suddenly, I understood why these two could close their eyes and fall asleep so effortlessly.

Both of them felt secure. They knew they were safe and protected while they slept. My grandson trusted his mother to watch over him. The Psalmist trusted his Father to do the same.

I closed my Bible and returned to bed. Instead of letting my mind race wildly, I repeated Psalm 4:8 to myself and meditated on its truth. I could sleep in peace, knowing God kept me safe. My eyes began to feel heavy.

The next thing I knew, it was morning, and I’d slept like a baby. I knew I wouldn’t call the doctor today. I wasn’t going to need any sleeping pills. In Psalm 4:8 I’d found a prescription for insomnia.

Father, thank You for Your constant watch-care and protection.

  

Carol