I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
—Psalm 4:8 NKJV

Some of the most lasting memories are those of repeated activities. If you went camping every summer with your family, hiking the same trails, eating hot dogs, and roasting marshmallows year after year, chances are you will remember those moments far more clearly than dozens of other random days. (Note to young parents: What memories do you want to create with your family that are worth remembering?)

One memory that is etched in my mind forever is the bedtime routine my parents practiced with us for many years. There was the usual brushing of teeth, washing of faces, and donning of pajamas and nightgowns, but then, the Fowler family met together to read a very short Bible lesson and answer a few questions. After that, we would all kneel. My dad or mom would pray for us to sleep well; we would sing a prayer song asking for a good night’s sleep, and end with this prayer we all knew by heart. Oh, how safe it made me feel to do the same thing night after night. Life felt secure with that pattern in place.

Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me; Bless Thy little lamb tonight;
Through the darkness be Thou near me; Watch my sleep till the morning light.
“Our prayer song” from “Jesus, Tender Shepherd, Hear Me” by Mary Lundie Duncan, 1839

Now that I am an adult, I no longer sing that song, but each night ends with a prayer. As I rest my head on Ray’s shoulder, he prays, asking God for His good protection through the night and for strength and energy to face tomorrow. So comforting to my soul!

I recently came across a Psalm that the Amplified Bible refers to as an “Evening Prayer of Trust in God.” The CSB Bible version calls it “A Night Prayer.” It’s found in Psalm 4, and what struck me, during these turbulent times in which we are currently living, is the advice for the angry, the agitated, and those who “tremble.”

Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
—Psalm 4:4 NKJV

Huh. Right in the middle of a psalm to say or sing comes this acknowledgment that we don’t always go to bed in a tranquil state of mind. The word “angry” in this verse is translated several different ways. Some footnotes translate it “to tremble with anger or fear” (NASB) or “be agitated” (NKJV).

Okay. So sometimes we go to bed angry or agitated—and not just a little bit. We “tremble.” We are that distressed. When that happens, we must be careful that our emotions do not lead us to sin. When I take the advice of Psalm 4:4 to heart, I learn these things:

1. It’s pretty much normal to experience times when my feelings are a mess of anger, trembling, and agitation.
2. When I feel this way, I am more prone to sin. My words will be less nuanced, less kind. My respect for others who have hurt me (as still and always people made in God’s image will do) is dimmed. If I am not careful, I will lash out and regret it later.
3. When I feel this way, I should keep my mouth firmly closed.
4. Instead of speaking while agitated, I need to meditate as I lie on my bed. I need to remember who God is and who it is who keeps me safe. Instead of dwelling on the hurt, the frustration, and the fears, I dwell on my Savior.

I love this “Night Prayer” found in the book of Psalms. I love all eight verses that remind me of what matters most. When I practice this, my agitation lessens, my peace increases, and I am truly able to “lie down and sleep in peace,” knowing that God has me securely in His competent hands. Selah! Pray with me from Psalm 4:1-8 (NKJV):

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress;
Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood? Selah

But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The LORD will hear when I call to Him. Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?”
LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Amen.

You are loved,
Sharon

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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