In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

Psalm 4:8

I have a friend who doesn't enjoy peaceful sleep. Ever. She struggles to get to sleep and she struggles even more to stay asleep. Her mind runs 100 miles-per-hour as she thinks about all the things she has to do at work, the tasks that await her around the house, her daughter's busy school schedule, and every other possible distraction her mind can stir up. It is miserable for her.

The psalmist offers a solution. Rather than worry, we can experience peace. Instead of concern we can rest in the safety of God's arms.

How do you rest? As for myself, I've found that worrying about tomorrow doesn't provide for a night of peace. My wife says that I am like a child's doll - the kind where you tip it back and it's eyes close. It is true. If I put my head on the pillow, I am out for the night. Within minutes, I'm fast asleep. Not a care in the world. Does it change the outcome of tomorrow's problems? No. But it takes the burden off my own weary shoulders and places it squarely on the one who wants to help.

Do you hold on to the anxiety or release and rest? Do you mull over all of life's battles or do you lay your burdens down?

In the famous child's prayer, we find the truth: "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the LORD my soul to keep." And that's a great way to end a day and start a night.

AMEN