Recently my wife bought me a new pillow. That was nice, I thought to myself. After thanking her I mindlessly tossed it on the bed and went about my day. Later that evening as I was set to retire for the night I lay down on the pillow. It was like a cranium hug. I remember just lying there enjoying the comfort of the pillow. What a difference. However, now, a few months later, I don’t think much about the pillow. But night after night it does its job.
Earlier this week I was thinking about God’s promises. In a particular moment the fact that God promises to guard and avenge his people became especially sweet to me (Ps. 7.6-10; 1 Pet. 1:3-5). It is a staggering fact that God is unwaveringly faithful to one who is at best waveringly faithful.
The truth of God’s promises comforts and provides rest for his children. Each night before bed I consider my day. I think of my sin, God’s evident grace, and his unflinching faithfulness. As I prayerfully inspect my own heart my head rests on the pillow of God’s promises. They are the comfort and means of rest to my restless soul. Spinning with anxiety, unfulfilled plans, shortcomings, pride, and other manifestations of my sinful heart, I lay my head down upon the pillow of grace, mercy, and love. I know that I have peace with God and that he is faithfully conforming me to the image of his Son (Rom. 8.29).
What an immense and unspeakable privilege we have each day as Christians to lay our weary heads down upon the pillow of God’s promises. We are given the privilege of sleep, rest, and a daily spring of new mercies (Lam. 3.22-23). Therefore, tonight as you lay down to rest for the night, consider afresh the promises of God. Recount them to yourself. And let them be to you a comfort, “Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.” (Ps. 119.76)
When you first became a Christian these promises were fresh and new to you. Now, perhaps after some time they have become routine, even like furniture in your room. As believers laboring for faithful joy in God we mustn’t forget the glory of the promises. Unlike a pillow they never wear out and always meet us with appropriate comfort and refreshment. Like the Psalmist, then, recount these promises until you are comforted and properly provoked to rejoice. Then you will sleep well indeed.
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