The Joy of Waking Up

There is much about our lives we take for granted.  The fact we fill our diaries with plans suggests we expect to live and undertake future activities.  The reality is our future is wholly in the LORD's hands and we may not rise from our beds:  one day our bodies will lay down never again to rise.  It is good to recognise the sovereignty of God who sustains us as James exhorts us in James 4:13-15:  "Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; ¹⁴ whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. ¹⁵ Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."

Did you see that?  If the LORD wills, we shall live!  Our lives on earth and for eternity depend upon the God who is our Life.  We do not know what will happen tomorrow, yet we are secure in knowing God who gives strength for the day and everlasting life through faith in Jesus.  David was a man who learned to trust and rely upon the LORD in many trials.  When his son Absalom rebelled to usurp the throne, the threat upon his life was so intense David did not know if he would live to see tomorrow.  He wrote in Psalm 3:4-6, "I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah ⁵ I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me. ⁶ I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around."  For a lot of people the ability to fall asleep is a far greater concern than waking up.  Every time we are wakened from sleep we can rejoice (though it may feel inconvenient!) because God has graciously sustained us.

David also wrote in Psalm 4:6-8, "There are many who say, "Who will show us any good?" LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. ⁷ You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased. ⁸ I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."  There were many in David's day who wondered when they would ever see any good.  The year 2020 has copped a lot of hate because of the fires, drought, floods, a global pandemic and financial recession.  But remember believer, the LORD has lifted up the light of His countenance upon us.  Despite trials, strife and uncertainty God puts gladness and fullness of joy in the hearts of those who fear Him.  We can lie down in peace, sleep and be awakened because God has made us to dwell in safety.  There is no doom or gloom in our God who is the Light of the World!  Praise Him for His faithfulness.  We can rise joyfully because our LORD and KING is risen!