I recently saw a newspaper headline that read “5 simple tips to help you sleep better in the new year.” The suggestions in the article ranged from adopting fixed, easily sustained guardrails on sleep to limiting light exposure throughout the day. Countless people struggle with sleep every night, trying everything from meditation apps to weighted blankets to find rest, yet thousands of years ago, a man facing death threats from his own son managed to find peaceful slumber. What was his secret?
The third Psalm begins with David’s lament:
The heading of the psalm identifies the source of his distress:
This context makes what follows even more remarkable. Here was a man whose own flesh and blood had turned against him, gathering an army to overthrow his father’s kingdom. It wasn’t just political upheaval – it was deeply personal betrayal that threatened everything David held dear. Most of us would be pacing the floors, strategizing through the night, or simply paralyzed with fear. Yet David writes:
How is David able to sleep? The end of the verse reveals his secret, “for the LORD sustains me.” This isn’t just a story about getting a good night’s rest. It’s about finding an anchor in life’s fiercest storms. David’s experience reveals that true peace isn’t dependent on external circumstances but on an internal foundation of trust. While armies gathered against him, he found rest in his unwavering belief that God was his protector.
In our modern context, while few of us will ever face the devastating betrayal that David experienced, we all encounter situations that rob us of peace. Career uncertainties, family conflicts, health concerns, and financial pressures can keep us tossing and turning at night. Though our challenges may be different, David’s response shows us a path to finding peace despite our circumstances.
David’s example offers a timeless lesson: peace isn’t found in the absence of trouble but in the presence of trust. His ability to sleep wasn’t because his problems had vanished – they were literally gathering at his doorstep. Rather, his rest came from a deep-seated confidence that transcended his circumstances. As you face your own storms today, consider how your understanding of protection and support influences your ability to find peace amid chaos. Perhaps, like David, you too can discover that true rest comes not from the resolution of our problems, but from the assurance that we’re not facing them alone.
For more insights into the Psalms, order our Live Like David: Daily Devotional Journal today!What Did David think? How did David feel? Unlock the wisdom of King David with our Live Like David: Daily Devotional Journal. Dive into daily Psalms, paired with teachings and personal reflections, to guide you in faith, prayer, and strength. Begin your journey today—click to buy now!
