When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. (Psalm 63:6-7)

There is a rule at our house: when bedtime is approaching, conversations about topics that tend to be negative or have the potential to be upsetting and argumentative are to be suspended until the next day, if at all possible. The logic is, if we go to bed upset about something, our sleep will be disrupted and in all likelihood, we will awaken in the same frame of mind. Perhaps that is one of the reasons Paul advised, “Do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26). Obviously unpleasant things can’t always be avoided but, when discussing them can wait until a more appropriate time, that is the standard we try to live by — “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 5:34).

I felt it was important to share this in light of David’s psalm. He presents a much better proposition in regard to where our thoughts should be focused as we prepare to retire. In the stillness of the night it would have been very easy for him, considering his situation, to obsess over his troubles. Instead, he decided to meditate upon the Lord and how He had been such a help to him in troubled times. It should be noted that many of these nights, David’s bed was very likely the cold, hard ground. Still he found within himself the ability, dare I say, the discipline, to suspend worrisome thoughts and embrace pleasant and uplifting thoughts — thoughts of His Creator and Protector.

I believe it is a fact that whatever, or whoever in this case, we set our focus upon is what we will gravitate toward. If our thoughts are continually on our troubles, we will act out in a manner that reflects our mental disposition. And so, if our final thoughts of the day are on our Maker, it stands to reason that there is a very good chance that our first thoughts upon waking will be upon Him as well. If we meditate on Him, our being will move toward Him thus allowing us, like David, to rejoice in the shadow of His wings. Think on these things as you prepare to retire this and every evening.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill 

Become a Premium Partner

or make a one time gift below.