Today's Scripture
Question #12 – Psalm 3:3-6 – Do I go to bed on time and get up on time?
3. But you, O Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
4 I cry aloud to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.
6 I am not afraid of ten thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
Rich's Devotion
As we start 2017, we wanted to examine the 22 questions of John Wesley. He challenged his followers to ask these rigorous self-examining questions, as they walk toward holiness. For the next four weeks, we will examine each question, daily. Also, I encourage you to read the ‘One Year Bible Reading Plan’ suggested by Bishop Sharma Lewis.
What the passage says
The title of the 3rd Psalm is “when David fled from his son Absalom”. David wrote this Psalm when his world was crumbling around him because his own son and thousands of traitors were chasing him with the desire to kill him. David rejoices that God is his shield. “You ground my feet, you lift my head high; with all my might I shout up to God.” – The Message
David has assurance from God that his prayers are answered and that no matter the outcome he trusts in God’s plan. He has given all his worries and fears for God to handle so what’s left to do but sleep. “ I stretch myself out. I sleep. Then I’m up again, rested, tall, steady, Fearless before the enemy mobs coming at me from all sides.”- The Message
What does the passage say to me/us?
This is a good passage to use when examining John Wesley’s question about how we are sleeping, because if we have a lot on our mind it usually prevents restful sleep? Do we go to bed on time and get up on time. I’ve got to confess I don’t get up on time if I can help it. But I’ve never examined if it was because I wasn’t trusting in God. Am I avoiding getting up because the weight of the world is too much? Am I tired from restless sleep due to worry? I’m going to continue to pray that I can turn my troubles and worries over to God and see how much better I sleep. “It is easier to sleep well when we accept with full assurance that God is in control of circumstances.” – Life Application Bible
This passage shows us that when everything is against us, God is for us. That at our deepest despair we need to turn to God and he will take our burden of worry and hopelessness. And if we are confident that he will work the situation for his purpose to glorify his Kingdom then we have nothing to fear or worry about.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank you for always being there when everything seems to go against us. We pray for the strength and courage to let go of ourselves and trust in your plan for our lives. In Christ name, we pray. Amen
Submitted by Rich McGimsey
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