my burg

Bible reading for April 2 -- Leviticus 5; Psalms 3-4.  "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."  (Psalm 4:8)  When you can't sleep. Many times in pastoral ministry I would read one or both of these psalms with people who were about to undergo surgery. It brings encouragement to those who trust the Lord that they can lie down and sleep (via anesthesia) with complete confidence that the Lord watches over them and sustains them .  The Lord never sleeps or slumbers (Ps 121:4).   But these words are also a comfort if you can't sleep at night .  Reciting God's word to yourself can help focus your mind on what is true and real and beautiful, rather than on whatever is causing anxiety. Biblical meditation involves repeating God's words to yourself, going over them again and again, praying over and pondering every word and meaning. When I can't sleep at night, first I pray and give thanks to God, confess ...

Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.  Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left , that you may have good success wherever you go.  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night , so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  (Joshua 1:6-8 ESV) Carefulness is a theme in the book of Joshua (1:7, 8; 22:3-5; 23:11).   Some of the problems the Israelites faced were due to carelessness on their part, for example, the failed attack on Ai, and the Gibeonite deception.  The word used in Joshua for being careful means to "keep, watch, guard, or protect".  It is the same word used in Genesi...