“Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep"
June 7, 2020
I heard about a man who was in a crisis and couldn’t sleep. He thought about this verse of Scripture, “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4). He said, “Well, Lord, there’s no need for both of us to stay up all night. Good night, Lord. I’m going to sleep while you stay awake.”
The Bible says, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3).
It may sound like a paradox: on one hand, pray earnestly. On the other, get some sleep. But Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and [listen to it] the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Friend, turn your problem over to Him. Roll it on the Lord. I don’t care how big it is. Read and obey Philippians 4:6-7 and know the mastery of God’s peace. God’s peace will settle over your panic.
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”