By Mary Johns
Psalm 4
Have you ever had trouble going to sleep or staying asleep? Do you ever wonder if God listens and answers your prayers? In Psalm 4, David is demanding and assertive with God when he prays his evening prayer: Answer me when I pray to you!! Make things easier for me when I am in trouble! Have mercy on me and hear my prayer!
David is certain that the Lord has chosen him and others who are loyal to God. He believes God listens, he does what is right and he trusts God. He is happy knowing that he is a chosen member of the family of God. He is happier than those with much more material goods than he has.
I imagine David had to fear for his life and his safety in his time on earth. Although there are times I fear the cruel and corrupt governments and people who want to destroy Christians or America, the thoughts that keep me up at night seem smaller. Will I get everything done I need to do! Lord, heal my sick friend or relative! Why did I do or say what I did!! Many folks my age have trouble sleeping and maybe we worry about too many small things. I love the ending of Psalm 4: “I go to bed and sleep in peace, because, Lord, only you keep me safe.” What a wonderful evening prayer! May we all trust that God will keep us safe and let us sleep in peace!