He Gives His Beloved Sleep

November 10, 2021

Seek shelter in his presence.

He Gives His Beloved Sleep

By Katie Pearson

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” – Psalm 127

At first pass, Psalm 127 appears to be about trusting the Lord with our physical needs and protection. A home provides shelter, a city offers safety, and children help with physical work. The Lord cares for his people’s practical needs.

But Psalm 127 shows God’s personal attention as well. As we read verse 3, we see God’s tender care: “...for he gives his beloved sleep.” God’s concern for us doesn’t just guard our safety but transforms our souls. He doesn’t just want us to be safe; He wants us to feel safe—so safe that we can rest well regardless of what is going on in the world.

What’s keeping you up at night these days? Sometimes it’s the very things God provides for protection and comfort that cause anxiety: unexpected repairs in our homes, civil unrest in our communities, or rebellion in our children. What do we do when the very things God wants us to go to for refuge become a source of disease for our spirits? We go straight to God.

When we lean on material and personal relationships in our life to meet all our needs, we have to remember there is just one Savior: Jesus. He alone provides physical blessing for our needs and spiritual covering for our sins. He alone can ensure true rest. When we confess our anxieties and fears to him, the Spirit gives us peace. The next time you feel discouraged, get a distressing phone call, or simply can’t sleep, pray to the Lord. Seek shelter in his presence, his truth, and his promise that he will never leave nor forsake us.

Response:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for relying on myself and others for security more than you. In your mercy, remind me daily that you sustain my life, provide me with shelter, and restore peace to my soul. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

Related Resource:

The Crucified Life small group Christian study is designed to reflect upon the Seven Last Words of Christ from the cross and what they mean for us today. Walk the road of Calvary with Jesus in order to grow closer to Him. The Crucified Life small group study examines human suffering as it is mirrored in Christ’s suffering on the cross and what His seven last words say to a hurting world. Find out incredible insights into these words as Jesus teaches us, even in death, how we can use our suffering and triumph over it for His glory. Begin your Crucified Life today.