Unlike some parts of the Bible, where we might have difficulty always identifying with what is being said (like the scary parts of Revelation, or the meticulous portions of Leviticus), I find that the Psalms often hit home with me.

The Psalms were written by human beings. They needed food, and friendship, shelter and protection. They worked while the sun was up, and spent some of their nights in rest and reflection.

The words of David in Psalm 16, can become my words if I let them:

Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”

God is a wonderful place for refuge, if I choose to turn there. And I should turn there often. What better place could there be to find a home than next to the God who made me?

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.

When I think about rest and refuge, I usually picture nighttime. And I love an image that David uses here for God’s presence beside us there.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.

In thinking about a big decision that needed to be made, a friend of mine once said “I will have to consult my pillow about that.”

Day and night, we can find our strength and counsel in the Lord.

Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep – and ask You to keep me close and inform my life. In Jesus’ name I trust and pray. Amen