Jenny's Psalm Reflections: Psalm 3 v.5

Today’s verse is Psalm 3 V.5

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again for the Lord sustains me."

Background:

This third Psalm is a Psalm of David written when he fled from his son, Absalom. It reflects David’s great trust in God under adversity. There may be crowds of people out to get him but he is fully reliant on God. In fact, he is so absorbed in the worship of God who he says is “his glory” that he is able to lie down and sleep. He is confident that God will be there for him even though his enemies are circling. He is part of a bigger story. 

There is not a single person who has not felt scared, let down or worried. At the moment, especially, there are great worries about work, money, wondering if life will ever get back to “normal” and trying to balance now getting back into work, mind the kids and juggle work/life balance. The relaxation of lockdown is anything but relaxing! Sometimes it is only God who remains steadfast and we can’t look too far into the future but cling to Him. He is our oasis in the desert.

And that is fine.

Meditation

1. Find a quiet place.

Find a quiet place inside or outside (weather permitting). Sit comfortably but alert – feet flat on the floor, back pushed hard against the back of the chair. 

2. Focus on your breathing. 

Pay attention to in-breaths and out-breaths. You may think of breathing in God’s life and peace and breathing out any tension.

3. Be aware of your body. 

Let your aches and pains be there. Rest your hands in your lap ; you don’t need to be doing anything with them now. Rest your feet on the floor; you don’t need to go anywhere. Shrug your shoulders, ease your neck. Take time to become still…

4. Say the verses aloud to yourself.

Don’t try to analyse it. Read it again slowly, listening.

5. Think ABOUT THE VERSES.

Sit quietly and see whether anything about it strikes you as important for you. Tell God what it is. Ask God for what you need. Make a note of anything you want to remember.

6. Finish with this prayer:

Shield us, Lord, from all evil, and lift us from apathy and despair, that even when we are terrified, we may trust your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.