January 7, 2019: SOAP #3320:  Genesis 18-19; Psalm 3; Luke 7

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 3:4 To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. 6 I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. 7 Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.

Observation:  In Acts 12, Peter experienced this verse.  He had been thrown in jail and was sleeping chained to two guards. A few days earlier, James had been killed.  The plan was to do the same to Peter.  I wonder if Peter meditated on the above passage before going to sleep that night?  When the angel arrived to deliver Peter and the cell filled with light, Peter was sleeping so soundly that the angel had to strike him on the side to wake him.

Application:  Worry has robbed many people a good night’s rest.  It is rest they will need in the morning.  It is a rest that God has ordained for them.  When serving with the Marines in Viet Nam, I wrote verse 5 on my helmet.  I knew the Lord had sent me there; I knew I could trust Him for protection.  I could lie down; I could sleep; I could wake in the morning BECAUSE the LORD sustained me.  He still does!!!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, there are times when worry and fear rob God’s sons and daughters of rest.  Bring this Psalm to our remembrance.  Remind us of how capable our Heavenly Father is in caring for us.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!