According to Natana Raj, an analyst with BCC Research in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Americans spent an estimated $41,000,000,000 on sleep aids in 2015 and the amount is projected to increase to $52,000,000,000 in 2020! Instead of turning to drugs, supplements, or gadgets, David got a good night’s sleep while on the run as a fugitive after a most stressful and distressing day. In Psalm 3, he explains free of charge his “sleep routine”.
First, David acknowledges his circumstances: “Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me” (v. 1). (Please see the previous post “How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep–The First Essential” for the specific of this “alternative medicine” to insomnia.)
Second, David carefully examines his situation and fears: “Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah (v. 2). How often Satan uses popular, fake spiritual news to create fear and insomnia. Exodus 23:2’s counsel of not following a multitude is still applicable when the “expert” advice of “conventional wisdom” contradicts Biblical revelation. Just because “many” people believe it and/or say it, does not make it true.
Third, David focuses upon God: “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah” (vv.3-4). It is imperative that the careful reader note that verses 3 and 4 are within a “Selah sandwich”. This word (“rest” or “pause”) indicates the fact that David mediated upon the contents of this sandwich; it is one of the most significant words in the entire psalm. It is akin to an admonition I heard often from my mother while growing up: “Stop and think about that for a while.” On the one hand, David had the counsel of a multitude of fear-filled, panicked people; on the other hand, there was Jehovah–“a shield…the One who lifts up my head.” David chose Jehovah over panic; faith over fear. Therefore, he cried out to the Lord and was heard.
Fourth, David acts upon his faith, not his fears: “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah” (vv. 5-8). On this occasion, acting by faith meant that David trusted in God’s promised sustenance (and therefore, got a good night’s sleep); He trusted God’s promised protection (and thus was unafraid); and he trusted God’s promised deliverance (and was delivered). And, it all began with a good night’s sleep.
If your faith is of no value or help to you in the tough times of life, your faith is of no value.
Get rid of the counterfeit. Live by an active, genuine faith that enables you to be spiritually victorious by day and get a good night’s sleep by night.
