Scripture
Psalm 3: 1-6 “O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying God will never rescue him! But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side.”
Observation
Have you ever been afraid? I have. There have been times when I went to bed at night I did not know what was going to happen the next day. My life was not in danger but I was scared about certain circumstances. This is where David was. His enemies had surrounded him. They were out to kill him. It was night and time for bed. David could not sleep. His mind kept racing with thoughts and questions. Been there? Then David turned to God in prayer. He declared that God was
1) His shield. Like a force field around him God was protecting David.
2) The lifter of his head. David did not need to be afraid or down. God lifted his head high.
David then cried out to God. This is intense prayer. He took his fears, concerns and worries to God and David knew God had heard him. David then went to sleep in peace. He was no longer afraid. He was in God’s hands. He knew God would take care of him. Even with ten thousand enemies surrounding him, David slept in peace.
Application
David shows us how to respond when we can’t sleep because of fear or worry.
1) David acknowledged who God was. David reminded himself that God was his shield and lifter of his head. David reminded himself that God was greater than his circumstances.
2) David cried out to God. David did not pray a little quiet prayer. David raised his voice and brought his need to God. Don’t be afraid to pray with emotion. God is not intimidated by our honesty or emotions. David took his fears and worries to God.
3) David did a form of “self talk.” When we are afraid or worried, we tend to talk negatively to ourselves. Our mind thinks of all the bad things that could happen. This increases our anxiety. When faced with difficult circumstances we need to fill our minds with the Word of God and His promises. We need to fill our mouths with God’s Word and His promises. What you focus on will determine your emotions. When David focused on his enemies, he was afraid and could not sleep. When David focused his mind on who God was and what he promised to do, David felt peace and went to sleep.
Next time you are afraid or worried and cannot sleep. Fill your mind with God’s Word and His promises. Your emotions will follow your thoughts. You can sleep well. You can experience peace.
Prayer
Father teach me this morning not to let my mind run wild with thoughts of fear or worry. I want to fill my mind with your word. I want to concentrate on the goodness of God. I want to claim your promises.
