Sunday night I crawled into bed quite distraught. I knew I would have trouble setting it aside and sleeping well, so I reached for my Ipad to open the Bible app and read something. I immediately remembered that Dave and I hadn’t listened to the daily scriptures for the One Year Bible plan. Silently, I implored the Holy Spirit to speak to me through the selected scriptures to calm my troubled heart.

I will be honest, Genesis 36 is a tough chapter. Perhaps in a different frame of mind, I could have waxed eloquent on the importance of Esau’s geneaology; it was lost on me this time. Matthew 12 and Psalm 15 both had great things to say, but it wasn’t until we landed on Proverbs 3 that I knew the Lord was stilling my racing heart with words of truth. This is what it said:

²¹My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, ²²for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. ²³They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. ²⁴You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. ²⁵You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, ²⁶for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Proverbs 3:21-26

I read and reread this passage. It seemed as if the Lord himself had sat down next to me, gently running his fingers through my hair, calming me, speaking softly to me, giving me permission to sleep without fear. He assured me that all is well and common sense is my friend. There is no need to tremble because he is right beside me, he is my security. He protects me.

And I slept!

What is keeping you awake at night? Have you let go of common sense and discernment? Are you concerned that a trap is set for you? Read these words of comfort again and know that the Lord is right beside you, holding you, protecting you, refreshing your soul.