David’s childlike trust in God as his protector led him to earnest prayer: “I cried aloud to the Lord” (v. 4). And God answered. He provided sleep for the rehabilitation of David’s weary mind and body. God will do this for you, too. If you follow David’s example of earnestness in prayer, his testi­mony can become yours: “I lay down and slept; I woke up, for it is Yahweh who keeps supporting me” (v. 5). In a footnote to verse 5, Motyer provides an alternate translation of that last phrase as “the Lord my pillow!” David rested in God and rested on God.

Editor’s Note:

When I heard that Paul Tautges wrote a book about anxiety, I immediately rejoiced in the news. I do not know another person who could walk us through this issue better than Paul. Allow my friend to come alongside you if you struggle with anxiety to help you as well. Having been provided an advanced copy, I highly recommend this book to you. It is part of a new series of 31-day devotionals. This is an excerpt from his new book. You can get your copy here.

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. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. (Ps. 3:3–5)

Loss of sleep is a common result of anxiety. We toss and turn, upset by what happened today and worried about what tomorrow might bring. Overdue bills. Relational conflict. Results of a family member’s CT scan.

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