LOOK TO THE PRINCE OF PEACE FOR RESTFUL SLUMBER
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Jesus and His disciples are sailing across the Sea of Galilee one evening when a violent squall comes upon them. The fierce wind rages and the stormy sea is turbulent. Wild waves crash against the boat threatening to swamp it. The disciples fear they will drown. Yet where is Jesus? He lies asleep on a cushion in the boat’s stern…
“They awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’” – Mark 4:38-40
How could Jesus sleep amidst this fearsome storm? Can we learn from Him how to sleep peacefully amidst the storms in our lives?
When sleep is elusive, the night can seem dark and endless. Thoughts whirl around in our minds. Our thoughts may be fearful and unsettled like a stormy day… or worrisome and unrelenting like incessant rains… or sad and dreary like gray days that seem to linger on. Whatever the weather conditions of our minds, sleep seems nearly impossible.
Even following the health guidelines for sleep, we may still struggle. Yet often overlooked is the spiritual aspect of sleep. As we delve into Scripture, we will discover the promises God has for us in His Word for a restful slumber…
“He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you.” – Psalm 121:3-5
God is forever wakeful and watchful. When we take to heart the fact that our Protector neither slumbers nor sleeps, we find comfort for our souls. He watches over His beloved ones even as we sleep. We place our faith in His promises and His providence.
Jesus is our Keeper. The Father has placed into His hands all believers… all who have entrusted their lives to Him. He watches over us lovingly like a Shepherd over His flock… promising not to lose any… but raise them up to eternal life (John 6:39).
“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” – Psalm 4:8
The peace of God is what we desperately need in restless nights. How can we experience His peace? We need to remember these key truths. The God who perfectly orchestrates the universe will masterfully orchestrate your life. The One who set the stars in the sky can be trusted to set things right in your world.
Is it any wonder that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, could be soundly sleeping amidst the storm? We look to our Prince of Peace to find the peace we so desire. When we turn to Him in faith, He will command peace to our turbulent minds. He will still our thoughts. He will calm our souls. In His presence, we need not fear. As we place our faith in Him unreservedly, He grants serenity to our minds like a placid sea.
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.” – Proverbs 3:24
Nothing steals our peace more quickly in the middle of the night than problem-solving… attempting to solve the ills of the world and the troubles of our lives. When uneasy, anxious thoughts rise within you, meditate on God’s promises of comfort, rest and peace. Turn the reins of control over to the One who reigns sovereign over all.
“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.” – Psalm 3:5
When worries and fears churn in your head, take each one captive to Christ. Give them one by one to the Creator and Sustainer of your life, trusting that He has all under His control. Placing all into His perfect care clears your mind and quiets your thoughts. For He promises to carry all our burdens.
Thank your Lord for the blessings He has brought your way. When people come to mind, give them to Him with a prayer that His will be done in their lives. Quietly speak verses of Scripture affirming His promises to be your peace and shield of protection.
Abide in the comfort and love of Christ. Bask in His serenity. Rest in His presence in the quiet of the night. Only by abandoning yourself to the Prince of Peace, will you discover His promised peace beyond measure.
“For He grants sleep to those He loves.” – Psalm 127:2
Make this your prayer on sleepless nights to the One who never slumbers… the One who is ever watchful over us…
Lord, thank you that I am Your beloved. Thank you that Your peace calms my mind and my heart. Your faithfulness upholds me as I sleep. Your love is the blanket that wraps around me through the night. Your comfort is the cushion that caresses my head. And Your grace covers and protects me as I rest. The cares and concerns of tomorrow fade away in Your abiding presence. You will grant me a peaceful sleep as I place my trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
