Devotionals

Sleeping Securely

by Anne Adams
04/09/26
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 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.  (Psalm 4:8 NIV)

“I just can’t seem to get any sleep…,” Katy told her friend Ginny as they left their weekly Bible study class. “It’s probably because I’m worried about my finals next week."  

Knowing Katy was a college student, Ginny nodded sympathetically “I imagine you’re under a lot of pressure.”

Katy went on. “Seems like all I do is study! Then when I go to bed I can’t seem to fall asleep because I’m so worried. I keep thinking about what’ll go wrong…“ She broke off and shook her head. 

Ginny had a suggestion. “Have you tried praying about it?”

However, Kathy didn’t seem to hear her and she continued. “Maybe I should try something like… counting sheep!” 

Ginny smiled slightly. “Well, I know when I have can’t sleep I don’t count sheep - I just talk to the Shepherd.”

Sleeplessness is no doubt a timeless problem - possibly even to the Psalmist who penned our passage. And often we can’t sleep because our minds are so filled with haunting reminders of current problems. Thus doing something repetitious (like counting sheep) might sound like a potential remedy.

But how much better if – like Ginny suggested - we forget the sheep and turn to the Shepherd! For not only is he the one who can give us the sense of peace that helps us settle down but he’s also the one who can help us deal with those nagging issues we’re worrying about. In addition, he also helps us gain the faith necessary to trust him to guide us through what we’re so worried about.

And when you combine all that with the confidence he provides - there’s no need for any sheep!