Saturday, March 31, 2012 Devotional

Saturday, March 31, 2012 Devotional 


Psalm 3:5
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.

Perpetually Protected

In biblical times, sleeping was a much different experience than it is today, especially for David, who wrote Psalm Chapter 3. Back then, there weren't house alarms to alert them to intruders or people seeking to harm them. And in David's case, he frequently found himself as a fugitive on the run, which forced him to sleep without the benefit of locks, gates, or even walls. So when we see sleep mentioned in this Psalm, it carries a real sense of vulnerability. And that's what makes David's declaration here all the more meaningful. He says that the Lord sustained him as he slept. In other words, David is acknowledging the fact that God was the one who was presiding and watching over him as he entered into the most vulnerable phase of daily life. When he had no ability to protect himself from the advancing attack of an enemy (and there were many), God was there to protect him. For us, sleeping usually doesn't entail the same risks as it did for David, but the truth of this passage still profoundly applies to us. All of us are vulnerable at some time or another. There's bound to be moments when we are simply incapable of protecting ourselves. 

When we find ourselves in that situation, it's then that God Himself is our Great Protector. As a matter of fact, He's our Great Protector at all times. Even when we think we've got ourselves covered, God guards us and watches over us. But His protective presence in our lives is most evident as He guards us throughout those vulnerable "night watches" of life.

Lord, help us recognize your perpetual protection over us. May it sustain us so we are able to rest securely.

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today?