Devotional readings focused on Psalm 4 for the third week of January.

Jesus says in Matthew, "Come to Me; all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (11:28, NIV). But for many of us in the midlife season, the idea of actual restful sleep seems like an impossible dream. . .
Monday's reading: Psalm 4
Reflection Questions: Think about verse 4. What troubles your thoughts at night? What truths could you meditate on that would turn your thoughts from worry and stress to trust?
Tuesday's reading: Mark 4:35-41
Reflection Questions: What kind of day would you have to have in order to sleep as soundly as Jesus did through such a fierce storm? Why might Jesus have been able to sleep so soundly? How might you aquire the same attitude of peace and security?
Wednesday's reading: Acts 12:1-11
Reflection Questions: The night before Herod intended to execute him, Peter slept soundly though chained between two guards. If you were in the same situation, what would your sleep quality be like? Why might Peter have been able to sleep in peace (see Psalm 4:8)?
Thursday's reading: Isaiah 40:21-31
Reflection Questions: What is the primary question being asked by God in verses 21-28? How does God's declaration of His power in verses 21-28 increase your faith in His promise of renewed strength in verses 29-31?
Friday's reading: Philippians 4:4-9
Reflection Questions: What commands did Paul include in these verses? Make a quick list. What are the outcomes of obeying these commands? How might the principles in these verses be worked into a sustainable bedtime routine?
Weekend reading: Psalm 121
Reflection Questions: Make a list of all the things the Lord has promised to do for you in this Psalm. Can you do any of those things for yourself? Write a prayer thanking God for His faithful love for you.
Meditation
According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 67% of middle-aged women experience sleep disturbances and difficulty sleeping. Whether it's hot flashes, night sweats, bladder issues or just stress, most of us aren't regularly getting a great night's sleep. Interestingly, a 2020 study of the effectiveness of prescription sleep medicine for middle-aged women showed no improvement in sleep quality after two years of usage, indicating that the medicine is likely ineffective for us longterm. If sleep medicines won't help, where can we turn?

With any health problem, a visit with a caring doctor is a great place to start in order to rule out other health issues. The internet is also full of great ideas for improving sleep quality. It is healthy to work on our "sleep hygiene" practices, but what if some of the problem is spiritual as well as physical or mental?
A spiritual prescription
God's word is so pratical that it even speaks to our sleep quality! Our Psalm of the week, Psalm 4, was likely written when David was running for his life, chased from his palace and throne by his own son Absolom (long story, but you can read it in II Samuel 13-19). Hiding out in the wildernss with a small band of attendants, David pens this song as a reminder to himself and his loyal followers that God is trustworthy even in uncertain circumstances. David praises God for putting joy in his heart even though it looks like he has lost everything, and he ends with this declaration: "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety" (vs. 4, NASB). What a declaration of confidence in God! David knows that God is in control and nothing is gained by worry and sleeplessness, so he releases his anxieties to God and lays down to rest.
Hearing the voice of Jesus
I know I can learn from David's example. There is nothing to be accomplished by staying up late and ruminating on my troubles, but there is much refreshment to be had from releasing my troubles to God and trusting Him to take the night watch! One way husband Jack and I have been doing this lately is by reading a passage from the gospels right before we go to sleep. There is something powerful and reassuring in hearing the words of Jesus as we drift off.
Maybe that's what Peter was thinking about when he was sleeping in an uncomfortable position (we will read about that incredible night on Wednesday) in Acts 12. Did he drift off to sleep remembering Jesus saying, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV)? Maybe so. He certainly slept soundly.
And that is the goal for each of us this week: to study the Word of God and find the comfort we need to lie down in peace and sleep, no matter our circumstances. My prayer is that after this week's study, we can have more confidence that God will watch over us and those we love while we get some rest.

Sources
Solomon DH, Ruppert K, Habel LA, et al. Prescription medications for sleep disturbances among midlife women during 2 years of follow-up: a SWAN retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2021;11:e045074. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045074
12 Healthy Sleep Hygiene Tips https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-hygiene
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