Sleep, Sleep, Sleep

(Psalm 4)

Does anyone here remember a commercial that sang: "Take sominex and sleep, sleep, sleep"?

Is that an old commercial or is it around today?

I would like to change that wording to introduce this message today: "Take Psalm 4 and sleep, sleep, sleep."

Do you know how important sleep is in Scripture?

The Lord put Adam into a deep sleep in Genesis 2:21 and created the woman from the rib taken out of the side of man. What a story!

- Sleep is rest (seventh day rest according to the Lord example; even though Psalm 121:4 says that the Lord doesn't sleep or slumber and Psalm 44:23 cries out to the Lord to awake).

- Sleep is sex ("lie with" in KJV or "sleep with" in NIV - that is why Hebrews 13 says that the marriage is honorable in all and the bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge).

- Sleep is death (I Corinthians 11 and 15 . . . "we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed").

- Sleep is spiritual blindness according to OT prophets.

- Sleep actually deep sleep is the time of vision.

- Too much sleep is warned about in Proverbs (6:9-10; 19:15; 20:13; 24:33).

- Sweet sleep comes to those who labor and are wise (Proverbs 3:24; Ecclesiastes 5:12).

- Lack of sleep happens in times of sin (Proverbs 4:16).

- Loss of sleep comes when there is sorrow and trouble (Psalm 127:2).

Trouble whether great or small affects our sleep.

When our sleep is being affected it obviously shows on the outside and somehow indicated what is going on in the inside.

We were created with a need for sleep.

Some say that this distinguishes us from the Lord God.

This physical need will always be an indicator of important spiritual needs.

What shall we do when anxiety and distress overwhelm?

Psalm 4 gives us 3 prescriptions:

I. Pray (Psalm 4:1-4).

Cry out for mercy (vs. 1).

Tear down the idols (vs. 2).

Seek God's holiness (vs. 3).

Meditate . . . especially at night (vs. 4).

- Are we trembling with fear, anger, or anxiety?

- Are filled with awe of God?

Mark the battles; note the losses; contemplate the victory.

II. Offer right sacrifices (Psalm 4:5-7).

Who can offer right sacrifices (vs. 6).

- beware of the spirit of the proud Pharisee who prays, "Thank you Lord that I am not like others".

- don't sit down with the scoffers

There is such a thing as right sacrifices - the Lord will look with favor, "Lord make you face shine upon us"

There is a deep joy (vs. 7).

III. Trust in the Lord (Psalm 4:8).

	Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.
	Proverbs 3:5-6

Then, go lie down and get some sleep.

Job 3:26 - no rest.

Psalm 6 - no sleep

I Kings 18 - exhausted sleep

Psalm 4 - peaceful sleep

Take Psalm 4 and sleep, sleep, sleep.