When I was a young child, a television newscaster reported one night that there was an intruder seen trying to break into homes in the vicinity where we lived, and he was still at large. Of course, we bolted the doors and made sure that the windows were locked, but I was still frightened.

When my parents, two brothers, and sister had fallen asleep, I remained awake. Though I didn't know Jesus Christ as my Saviour at that time, I did know that there was a God, and as I lay in bed trying to listen for any possible invader, something wonderful happened. My sister and I always slept with the bedroom door open at night, and as I looked up over the doorway, I saw a cradle with two angels, one on each side, watching over whoever was in the cradle. I took that as a sign from God that He was saying, "I AM watching over you. You can sleep. You will be safe."

I did exactly that! I believed that God was watching over not only me, but also my whole family, and I went peacefully to sleep.

The next day, the news reported that the intruder had been caught.

Psalm 3:5 – I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. (NKJV)

I was saved at age 30, and when I read and memorized this verse, I most definitely thought of the night that I just described.

For all of us, there will be days and nights in our lives when we face sleepless, difficult times. They may come when we least expect them and in a myriad of different ways, but if we will trust and believe God to bring us through those hard places and not allow bitterness or despair to take our focus off God or to harden our hearts, we will find rest for our souls. Though the way be temporarily dark and dim, we can say, even through our tears if we must, "I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me."

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. (NKJV)

If I what I have said has spoken to someone today who does not yet know Jesus as their personal Saviour, I pray, and I know my brothers and sisters in Christ do also, that today may be the day of your salvation. If you ask Him, He will save you today. Then, regardless of life's circumstances or difficulties, you, too, can have the peace and assurance that knowing and trusting Jesus Christ can bring.

Prayer: Father God, we thank You that no matter how dark or difficult the night seasons of our lives may be, You provide peace and rest, and You will sustain us. We pray also that today would be the day of salvation for many. Amen.

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About the author:

Cheryl Mariano (Cheremiah) <cherylmariano@gmail.com>
Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
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