In the Night

O God, you have declared me perfect in your eyes; you have always cared for me in my distress; now hear me as I call again. Have mercy on me. Hear my prayer.

The Lord God asks, "Sons of men, will you forever turn my glory into shame by worshiping these silly idols, when every claim that's made for them is false?"

Mark this well: The Lord has set apart the redeemed for himself. Therefore he will listen to me and answer when I call to him. Stand before the Lord in awe, and do not sin against him. Lie quietly upon your bed in silent mediation. Put your trust in the Lord, and offer him pleasing sacrifices.

Many say that God will never help us. Prove them wrong, O Lord, by letting the light of your face shine down upon us. Yes, the gladness you have given me is far greater than their joys at harvest time as they gaze at their bountiful crops. I will lie down in peace and sleep, for though I am alone, O Lord, you will keep me safe.

Psalm 4;1-8 (TLB)

Bruce Bedingfield, from Illinois, was going through a difficult time, and he had a lot on his mind. Unfortunately, his sleep was affected by the stress, and the resulting fatigue severely impaired his daily functioning. Eventually Bruce realized he couldn't handle it on his own, and he asked God for assistance.

Soon Bruce adopted a new routine. When he awakened at night, he would spend 10 minutes at his desk praying, writing down his concerns, and putting them in God's hands. If his concerns seemed trivial, he would conclude, "Quiet your mind. Everything's fine." If the worries were more significant, Bruce would tell himself, "Quiet your mind. God's at your side." When he went back to bed, he would recite comforting Bible verses. He put all of his worries in God's hands and would usually drift peacefully back to sleep.

Bruce intends to keep his night times with God. "I will bless the LORD who advises me; even at night I am instructed in the depths of my mind" (Psalm 16:7, CEB). God not only comforts Bruce, God gives him wisdom at night.

Prayer: Dear Lord, comfort us in the night as well as in the day. Help us to turn all our worries over to you, in Jesus' name. Amen.