Two-minute read.
David wrote this psalm during a time of distress and opposition. People surrounded him, questioned him, and turned to false narratives. Instead of letting fear and uncertainty control him, David turns his attention to God.
The king’s circumstances haven’t changed, but his response to them has. David’s peace came from knowing who controls tomorrow and who watches over him. Peace comes from trusting God with what we cannot control. David could sleep well because his security depended on God, not his circumstances.
Finding rest in the Savior requires a choice. We can choose to let our fears control us, or we can give them to God and trust Him to protect us.
Recently, I shared my anxiety about traveling abroad with a friend, something I’ve only done once. That trip went well, and God showed up powerfully, yet the devil still likes to whisper “what ifs” in my ear. Her response helped me.
“I just know I have an appointed time, and nothing will change that, so I live a little recklessly, knowing when my time comes, it comes.”
My friend’s confidence in the Lord struck me more than anything else. She had complete trust in her Savior and His plan for her life. As I pondered her words in the days after that conversation, I recognized their truth. And I also realized that fear and anxiety kept me from living life fully. Christ came to give us abundant life. When I live abundantly in Him, it blesses the Savior.
Whatever circumstances you find yourself in today, whatever anxieties and fears try to steal your joy, give them to Jesus. Write down one thing you can’t control, then pray:
“Lord, this belongs to You. I cannot solve it tonight, so I choose to trust You with it. You will watch over me while I rest.”
Physically put the paper away, close your journal, turn off the light, and let that action remind you that you don’t have to keep working on the problem while God takes care of you.
Rest doesn’t ignore the problem; it chooses to trust God with it.
Sleep well knowing the sovereign Lord has your back.
Journal Questions:
- What is keeping me from experiencing God’s peace and truly resting tonight?
- 2. What situation or worry do I need to place completely in God’s hands?
- 3. What would it look like for me to trust God’s protection instead of allowing fear to control my thoughts?
Application:
Write down your worries and give them to the Lord.
