How to Have a Better Day
Psalm 3 says: O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. Selah But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah
Psalm 4 says: Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
King David wrote these two psalms to bookend his day. The theme is that in the morning it is good to wake up and put your trust in the Lord to protect you throughout the day, and in the evening, sleep in peace knowing that the Lord is there to keep you safe.
What would it be like if we woke up in the morning with Psalm 3 on our lips and hearts? What would our sleep be like if we praised God with Psalm 4 before we turned out the lights?
Take up this challenge with me this week: start your morning with Psalm 3, no exceptions! End your night with Psalm 4, no exceptions! After the week is done, answer these questions?
Does your day seem less stressful?
Does your sleep seem more restful?
Do the things people say or do to/against you seem less burdensome?
Does God’s providence seem greater?
Are you more aware of God’s presence?
My prayer is that these words of King David might be the calm that you have been searching for. May your trust in the Lord be expanded this week. Amen.
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