Friday, February 28, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Psalm 3

O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
many are saying to me,
“There is no help for you in God.”
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
I cry aloud to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy hill.
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.
I am not afraid of ten thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
Rise up, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.
Deliverance belongs to the Lord;
may your blessing be on your people! (NRSV)

Reflection

David has written many psalms about his enemies threatening him. He often asks God to protect him. What stands out to me in this psalm is verse 5, “I lie down and sleep and I wake again because the Lord sustains me.”

Note, he doesn’t say, “I’m going to try to get some sleep, I tossed and turned all night with my problems, I had to get up and sit in my chair and think about solutions to my problems.” David speaks of the assurance that the Lord will keep him, and he is able to turn control over to the Lord. He goes to sleep with an inner quiet. His own watchfulness is surrendered, and the Lord’s faithful care will sustain him.

May I be more like David.

Prayer
Lord, as I close my eyes each night, I thank you for your protection and love. Let me turn my day’s problems over to you and grant me a peaceful sleep so I wake up refreshed and ready to face a new day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Written by Linda Gibboney, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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