Rest To the Righetous
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalms 4:8 NKJV)
This psalm hits, “where the rubber meets the road,” our pastor used to say. At night is when the enemie’s seeds of doubt and fear best take root. When the sun goes down and all else is quiet, the thief comes to steal our sleep, kill our quietude and destroy our peace of mind. If we don’t have a strong standard to raise against that attack, it can and will defeat us.
Paul’s practical instructions best fit the bill here.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:6-8 NKJV, emphasis mine)
It can seems a lot to take in, due to Paul’s use of many words, but at it’s crux is really quite simple. When doubt assails, do as Jesus did; respond with scripture. God’s promises are the best antidote for Satan’s tricks. Whether in song lyric or recitation of memorized scripture, bringing to mind what He has said of you, to you and about you, as opposed to what the accuser is hurling your way, is the best way to stand against him.
When the enemy arouses a baseless doubt or fear, one can always just open up the Word and begin reading. That’s the last thing he wants. In short order, he will abandon his attack and let sweet sleep come, lest your faith be strengthened too much. He wants you neither reading the Bible nor praying.
Perhaps there is a rational basis for the fear. That’s when an injunction of Peter’s helps. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (I Peter 5:6-7 NKJV, emphasis mine). Dr. Richard Dobbins considered this to be a psychological device Peter has prescribed and years ago described a technique which may help.
When attacked in your mind at night, ask yourself, “Is there anything which can be done about this thing?” If the answer is no, cast your care on Him. If yes, ask, “Is there anything I can do about this thing?” Again, if no, cast your care. If yes, ask, “Can I do anything about it right now?” If no, cast your care. If yes, do something about it right now. Casting your care means giving up that burden to the Lord, refusing to hold on to it anymore. There’s nothing you can do about it, anyway.
Finally, remember this promise from Isaiah.
“You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV)
My Dad has said at times his favorite scripture, and I want to leave that with you. It is an excerpt from the Lord’s charge to a willful Israel, unwilling to rest in Him, expressing what He wanted them to have. May it apply to you.
“. . . In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15 NKJV)
Rest in Him. He will give rest to the righteous.
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