Peaceful Sleep

Read: Psalm 139:5-12 Tyler sat up in bed. What’s that noise? he wondered. He and his family had moved to a new house, and now he slept in a strange new room. Somehow he didn’t feel safe the way he had back in his old, familiar home. Tyler heard the noise again. I don’t like this room! I don’t want to sleep here! he thought. He jumped out of bed and bolted down the stairs to find his mom. “Tyler!” Mom said when he rushed into the living room. “What’s wrong?” “What’s that noise, Mom?” Tyler asked. Mom listened for a moment. “There’s a bit of thunder in the distance,” she said. “It won’t hurt you.” Tyler knew his mom was right. The noise did sound like thunder, and it wasn’t even close. There was nothing to be afraid of, but he was still scared. “I don’t like my new room,” he said. Mom put her arm around him. “Sometimes it’s hard to get used to a new house.” She pointed to the little dog sitting at her feet. “I think Sprout still feels a little strange here too. Why don’t you take him to your room? He’ll keep you company.” Tyler looked at the puppy. “Okay,” he said. “Come on, Sprout. I’ll take care of you.” Mom went to tuck Tyler back into his bed. “When you feel afraid, remember that we didn’t move away from God,” she said. “Jesus is right here with you, just like He was at our old house—even when it’s dark and there’s a storm outside. You can trust Him to take care of you.” When Tyler heard the sound of thunder again a little later, he pulled the blanket snugly around himself and Sprout. “You aren’t scared when you know I’m close—you know I’ll take care of you and keep you safe, don’t you?” he asked as he stroked the puppy’s head. “I’m not scared either, because I know Jesus is here with me. He’ll take care of me.” Then Tyler and Sprout closed their eyes and went to sleep. –Karen Cogan How about you? Do you have trouble getting to sleep when things seem scary or new? You may move to a new place, but you can never move away from Jesus. If you know Him as your Savior, He is with you everywhere, all the time. Trust Him to be with you when you need Him and to take care of you. Then close your eyes and enjoy the peaceful sleep and rest He has for you. Today's Key Verse: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8 (NLT) Today's Key Thought: Sleep well—Jesus is with you