Now I lay me down to sleep….

I don’t know about you, but laying down has not been the challenge lately.

Shutting my mind off so that I can actually fall asleep is a different story.

Increasing reports on the spread of the coronavirus, stay in place orders, businesses and schools closing.

So many what ifs ….

Worst case scenarios dart around my mind like children running on a playground.

Everyday the news around the country seems to get worse.

But everyday I have a decision to make.

Which news do I turn my attention to: the local news or the Good News?

In a time when everything feels uncertain, we must grasp onto God’s truth.

Our God is unchanging, even when the world around us is in constant flux.

Let’s go to the book of Psalms.

When we cry out to our Heavenly Father, He will sustain us.

“But, You, O Lord, are a shield for me.

My glory and the One who lifts up my head,

I cried out to the Lord with my voice,

And He heard me from His holy hill.  

Selah..

I lay down and slept;

I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.”  Psalm 3 :3-5

Notice the word Selah at the end of the first verse.  

There are several meanings listed for this word.  

One means “to praise.”  

Another defines Selah as a pause or break, a time to reflect.  

How timely this is right now, as we have a break in our normally busy routines to reflect on God’s presence..

Finally, my favorite interpretation of the word Selah means “forever.”

Our circumstances will pass, but our God is forever.

God is good and our safety is found in Him.

“There are many who say,

“Who will show us any good?”

Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.

You have put gladness in my heart.

More than in the season that their grain and wine increased,

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep.

For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”  Psalm 4 :6-8

Friends, as we start each day, let us direct our concerns to Him.

“Give ear to my words, O Lord.

Consider my meditation.

Give heed to the voice of my cry,

My King and my God.

For to You I will pray.

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord.

In the morning, I will direct it to You.

And I will look up.”  Psalm 5 :1-3

Begin each day looking up.

Take time to reflect on a God who is good forever.

May He sustain you throughout the day and before you lie down in the safety of His arms at night.

Rest well.

Peace, love and good health to you all.