Saturday, February 4, 2023

Reflection - Paul Van Gorder - Always Awake

Source (book): "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Chapter 34, "Always Awake", Page 40.
By Paul Van Gorder, Our Daily Bread Author
 

 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:8
PHOTO: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:8
Read: Psalm 121

A mother and her 4-year old daughter were preparing for bed. The child was afraid of the dark. When the lights were turned off, the girl noticed the moon shining through the window.

"Mommy" she asked, "Is that God's light up there?" "Yes, it is," came the reply: Soon, another question: "Will He put it out and go to sleep too?" "Oh no, He never goes to sleep." After a few silent moments, the little girl said, "As long as God is awake, I'm not scared." Realizing that the Lord would be watching over her, the reassured child soon fell into a peaceful sleep.

As Christians, we may confidently commit both the night and the day to our ever-faithful God. He is fully aware of our fears in the dark as well as our frustrations in the light. We can be assured of His constant care. His loving eye and protecting hand are always upon us.

Perhaps you face lonely hours because of illness or the loss of a loved one. The shadows of the night make the anxiety of your situation seem greater than ever. Doubts arise and fears flood your soul, robbing you of your needed rest.

Trust the heavenly Father, and you will be able to say with the psalmist: "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8). Remember, God is always awake.

If you have trouble getting to sleep, try resting in the Lord.
Picture posted by holyspiritspeaks.org
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In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:8
Read: Psalm 121
 

 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:8
PHOTO: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:8
Picture posted by ~ Morning Glory Meadow ~
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https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fc/03/53/fc03530614a743abbb3558c191d8a94c.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/113856696820088136/


A mother and her 4-year old daughter were preparing for bed. The child was afraid of the dark. When the lights were turned off, the girl noticed the moon shining through the window.


 A mother and her 4-year old daughter were preparing for bed.
PHOTO: A mother and her 4-year old daughter were preparing for bed. The child was afraid of the dark. When the lights were turned off, the girl noticed the moon shining through the window.
Picture posted by I am a child
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https://iamachild.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/bedtime-story.jpg
https://iamachild.wordpress.com/category/deriy-tatiana/


"Mommy" she asked, "Is that God's light up there?" "Yes, it is," came the reply: Soon, another question: "Will He put it out and go to sleep too?" "Oh no, He never goes to sleep." After a few silent moments, the little girl said, "As long as God is awake, I'm not scared." Realizing that the Lord would be watching over her, the reassured child soon fell into a peaceful sleep.


 'Mommy' she asked, 'Is that God's light up there?'
PHOTO: "Mommy" she asked, "Is that God's light up there?" "Yes, it is," came the reply: Soon, another question: "Will He put it out and go to sleep too?" "Oh no, He never goes to sleep." After a few silent moments, the little girl said, "As long as God is awake, I'm not scared." Realizing that the Lord would be watching over her, the reassured child soon fell into a peaceful sleep.
Picture posted by Invaluable - Sophie Gengembre Anderson (1823 - 1903)


 As Christians, we may confidently commit both the night and the day to our ever-faithful God.
PHOTO: As Christians, we may confidently commit both the night and the day to our ever-faithful God. He is fully aware of our fears in the dark as well as our frustrations in the light. We can be assured of His constant care. His loving eye and protecting hand are always upon us.
Picture posted by Profile
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEfzDsoFQsf3-u_ZGiEzotcKmBkeYY355THQSWmJkMjm6lxZPxFogHKywV5t4YZNqUCeJe8G_vit4bcUj7dixjQC5TuAoBvCCtDqPRP_4y7HfHpba46wAyIWaAG5lnEQKND0kn7QSRkdoWm0kircXrPjPHiKUwZgBrSXLyDfqaJ1A8xhpAKYoWgaF/s1333/086a202a0f43a883b316582a08c6de7a.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/08/6a/20/086a202a0f43a883b316582a08c6de7a.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1759287345726141/


Perhaps you face lonely hours because of illness or the loss of a loved one. The shadows of the night make the anxiety of your situation seem greater than ever. Doubts arise and fears flood your soul, robbing you of your needed rest.


 Perhaps you face lonely hours because of illness or the loss of a loved one.
PHOTO: Perhaps you face lonely hours because of illness or the loss of a loved one. The shadows of the night make the anxiety of your situation seem greater than ever. Doubts arise and fears flood your soul, robbing you of your needed rest.
Picture posted by Freepik


 Trust the heavenly Father, and you will be able to say with the psalmist: 'In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety' (Psalm 4:8).
PHOTO: Trust the heavenly Father, and you will be able to say with the psalmist: "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8). Remember, God is always awake.
Picture posted by The Graceful Chapter
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https://thegracefulchapter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/5-9.jpg
https://thegracefulchapter.com/comforting-bedtime-bible-verses/


If you have trouble getting to sleep, try resting in the Lord.

 If you have trouble getting to sleep, try resting in the Lord.
PHOTO: If you have trouble getting to sleep, try resting in the Lord.
Picture posted by Jillian Harris on Thursday, 15 September 2011 at 03:14 am
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 Reflect and Pray
PHOTO: Reflect and Pray
In His care confiding
I will sweetly sleep,
For the Lord my Savior
Will I safety keep. - Psalter
Picture posted by Rooted & Reaching

Reflection - Paul Van Gorder - Always Awake
Source (book): "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Chapter 34, "Always Awake", Page 40.
By Paul Van Gorder, Our Daily Bread Author


Other Books (Links)

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 
 
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God",  © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

 Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html



Reference
[1] From "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Chapter 34, "Always Awake", Page 40.


Links


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