Read
(A psalm by David for the music leader. Use stringed instruments.)
An Evening Prayer
1You are my God and protector.
Please answer my prayer.
I was in terrible distress,
but you set me free.
Now have pity and listen
as I pray.
2How long will you people
refuse to respect me?
You love foolish things,
and you run after
what is worthless.
3The Lord has chosen
everyone who is faithful
to be his very own,
and he answers my prayers.
4 But each of you
had better tremble
and turn from your sins.
Silently search your heart
as you lie in bed.
5Offer the proper sacrifices
and trust the Lord.
6There are some who ask,
“Who will be good to us?”
Let your kindness, Lord,
shine brightly on us.
7You brought me more happiness
than a rich harvest
of grain and grapes.
8I can lie down
and sleep soundly
because you, Lord,
will keep me safe.
Reflect
Nighttime can be difficult time for many people. At night we are more susceptible to anxieties and worries. Some suffer insomnia because of the unbearable weight of burdens. Others wake up in the middle of the night finding themselves in a vicious fight with fearful thoughts. The night can confront us with threats that scare us or situations that overwhelm us. We must fight with these anxious thoughts on our own or trust the Lord to come to our rescue.
This Psalm assures us that we have a God who gives us a song in the night. He will give us a night of peaceful rest. We can come to the Lord with our burdens and anxieties and trust him with what is plaguing us. In verse 8 David confidently asserts, I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe. This is an amazing promise.
A peaceful sleep comes when we know that God is God and that he will act on our behalf. We can rest in God to bear the unbearable burdens. The Lord looks after his children. Our faithful Shepherd has made us to be his very own and he answers our prayers.
At night we can cast our burdens on the Lord. He will sustain us. We can lie down and sleep in peace for he is with us and tomorrow is a new day. The Lord will provide safety in the night and fresh mercies in the morning.
Respond
Lord God our Protector and Peace, we cast our cares upon You. You have promised rest to your children. Take our anxious thoughts and pour peace upon us. Give us Your song of hope in the night and help us awaken refreshed and confident in your love and power. Amen.
Jody Cross
Dr. Jody Cross is a worship pastor, recording artist, author and worship ministry consultant. His passion is to glorify God by developing leaders, equip worship teams and lead God’s people in worship. Jody has released a book on worship and justice, This Is Our Love and has produced two award winning worship albums. Jody serves as Worship Pastor at First Baptist Church in Orillia, Ontario. Jody is married to Alexandra. They have four teenage children. Publications: This Is Our Love: Engaging a Broken World Through Worship CD’s: Forward To Forever Rekindle Rejoice: Christmas Worship