Psalm 4:6-8 (CEB)

6 Many people say,
    “We can’t find goodness anywhere.
    The light of your face has left us, Lord!”[a]
7 But you have filled my heart with more joy
    than when their wheat and wine are everywhere!
8 I will lie down and fall asleep in peace
    because you alone, Lord, let me live in safety.

Reflection

Sleep is essential for our health and mental well being. During sleep our body repairs and recharges itself for the next day. Since the Pandemic began, a lot of people are having trouble sleeping. When people do finally get to sleep, the quality of their sleep is poor and they often wake up the next morning feeling like they had slept, but they had not rested. The horrific events at the Capitol this week and the spreading virus were added to our normal list of daily concerns.  Many of us lay our heads on our pillows at night, but we don’t always sleep in peace.

How can we lay our heads down to sleep in peace? God is the source of this loving, renewing peace. As children of God we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are surrounded by the the love of God at all times. We can choose to feel the joy of the Lord in our hearts, even when life seems impossible. It may not be easy, but sometimes you have to take a step back, and pause to be renewed by God, before you can move forward.

How can we be renewed so that we can lay our head down and fall asleep in peace? Finding peace starts with trusting God. Growing in relationship with God by reading the life giving Word in scripture, and praying at all times day and night, when you need help or when in gratitude you want to praise God. Peace comes in the silence when we pause to listen and be renewed. Peace comes from loving God and knowing, that like Jesus, you are a beloved child of God. Peace comes when we serve others in the name of Jesus.

People believe that status or the material things of the world bring peace and safety. But these are transient and can be swept away in a moment. Lasting true peace, joy and safety are found only in God.

By Jeneene Reduker

For Pondering & Prayer

Tonight at bedtime, as a reminder, set an alarm on your phone, or when you see your pillow, say your prayers, then ask God to wrap you in joy, peace and safety. Lie down and put your head on the pillow, and remember that you are a beloved child of God and fall asleep in peace.

Prayer: Heavenly God, we love you and we give you thanks for the joy we have in our salvation through Jesus. Renew your joy and peace in us each day, so that we may better serve you and love others. Amen.