God’s been reminding me each night this week to cast my cares on Him.
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7
I’m too busy right now during the day to worry, but each night I’ve gone to bed restless, mulling things over, and that’s not a good way to go to sleep. I have had to deliberately turn my thoughts to the Lord and His provision.
I’ve reminded myself that I don’t have to worry about the what-ifs tomorrow and beyond. I need to be seeking the Lord first, and God will take care of those things as they come. I can manipulate and scheme like Jacob, but then, I wouldn’t be trusting in God; I’d be leaning on my own understanding. If I want God to direct my paths, I need to be seeking Him more, acknowledging Him in every area of my life.
Each night I’ve gone to bed, God has helped me to sleep trusting in His mercy for me and those I love. God’s grace is sufficient. This is blessed sleep.
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood? Selah
But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The LORD will hear when I call to Him.Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the LORD.There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.Psalm 4
How is God’s Word changing you this week?
Thanks for this. I had “one of those nights” last night. Proverbs 3:21-26 is a blessing to me as well. And, there’s some spiritual advice in the song from White Christmas (oddly enough): “When I’m worried, and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep….when my bankroll is getting small, I remember when I had none at all…and I fall asleep, counting my blessings!” When we focus on God’s care and provision in the past, much like David did in the Psalms, we are reminded that He is trustworthy with whatever is causing our anxiety.=)
You’re right Diane,
Reminding ourselves of God’s care in our past also fits the pattern of Psalm 73. I’m reading through the old testament right now, and I am always struck by how often God tells the children of Israel to remember, not to forget. From my own experience, it’s easy to forget.
When we first came to the desert, it was because of God’s Providence and not our choice. When I look back and see how God has used this place and our church to make us more like Him, and how much we really enjoy it here, I am filled with gratitude, and not worry.
I need to remember more.