It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrow: for so he giveth his beloved sleep (Ps. 127:2).
Tension! That is another name for life today as lived by millions. Tension, tension! Worry, worry! First thing up in the morning, planning, conniving, seeking, desiring, sitting up late at night planning, conniving, seeking, desiring; but always unsatisfied. Books on how to relax, how to sleep, how to live with oneself, how to have mind peace, soul peace, are published by the dozen and have a wide circle of readers. But the tension grows and will continue to grow until people learn to trust in God.
The consumption of sedatives increases as tension increases, but the greatest sedative of all is calm, simple faith in the goodness of God. That will do more than anything out of a bottle to bring about wholesome, healthful rest and relaxation at night.
When Martin Luther's enemies were plotting to put him to death, he was seized by his friends, who hid him in Wartburg Castle, whose mighty stone walls were strong and impenetrable. There, safe from his physical enemies, Luther began struggling with himself. He learned that even strong castles cannot protect a person's soul. It is said that at one time he picked up an inkstand and threw it at a vision of the devil. Then he turned to God for help and found the strength needed--trust. He found relaxation in faith. He found calmness.
And so may we all trust God and rest in Him, for "the Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" (Ps. 46:7). He knows all about us. Therefore, let us go to bed at the proper hour, read a bit of His Word, put ourselves in His care, and go to sleep. We do not need to lie awake and worry, for He "giveth his beloved sleep."
MEDITATION PRAYER: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety" (Ps. 4:8).
Tension! That is another name for life today as lived by millions. Tension, tension! Worry, worry! First thing up in the morning, planning, conniving, seeking, desiring, sitting up late at night planning, conniving, seeking, desiring; but always unsatisfied. Books on how to relax, how to sleep, how to live with oneself, how to have mind peace, soul peace, are published by the dozen and have a wide circle of readers. But the tension grows and will continue to grow until people learn to trust in God.
The consumption of sedatives increases as tension increases, but the greatest sedative of all is calm, simple faith in the goodness of God. That will do more than anything out of a bottle to bring about wholesome, healthful rest and relaxation at night.
When Martin Luther's enemies were plotting to put him to death, he was seized by his friends, who hid him in Wartburg Castle, whose mighty stone walls were strong and impenetrable. There, safe from his physical enemies, Luther began struggling with himself. He learned that even strong castles cannot protect a person's soul. It is said that at one time he picked up an inkstand and threw it at a vision of the devil. Then he turned to God for help and found the strength needed--trust. He found relaxation in faith. He found calmness.
And so may we all trust God and rest in Him, for "the Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" (Ps. 46:7). He knows all about us. Therefore, let us go to bed at the proper hour, read a bit of His Word, put ourselves in His care, and go to sleep. We do not need to lie awake and worry, for He "giveth his beloved sleep."
MEDITATION PRAYER: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety" (Ps. 4:8).
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