If you’ve been reading my blog or if you know me just a little, you know I am an early riser. Sometimes it’s because my husband has to get up to go to work, but most times it’s because I have some of my best thoughts from 4-7 a.m.

Perhaps King David was an early riser as well. There are several verses that lead me to this conclusion.

He mentions his morning routine in Psalm 5:3 (NIV). “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

King David mentions singing in the morning in Psalm 59:16 (NIV). “I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”

King David speaks of satisfaction in the morning in Psalm 90:14 (NIV) “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

King David can’t wait to hear of God’s unfailing love in the morning in Psalm 143:8 (NIV) “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul.”

Although King David enjoyed his mornings with God, he had his fair share of sleepless nights. Some were filled with despair (Psalm 6:6; Psalm 77:2; Psalm 90:6), but others were filled with glorious thoughts of God.

“I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.” (Psalm 16:7 – NIV)

“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” (Psalm 63:6 – NIV)

“In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law.” (Psalm 119:55 – NIV)

“My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.” (Psalm 119:148 – NIV)

I know sleepless nights because of distress. I know exactly how King David felt in the passages above. I’m sure you’ve been there as well.

Nights filled with worry, fear, distress, anxiousness, grief, pain, and doubt. During the day, these feelings can be masked or even pushed aside. But at night, oh my they can seem to overwhelm us.

I much prefer morning!

However, unless we’ve known such sleepless nights, we’d never appreciate the wonder and glory we experience as we offer these emotions to God. As we offer our troubles to God, He is willing to give us something in return. His peace (John 14:27).

By accepting His peace, we then can awaken as King David did and we will be able to sing, rejoice, and praise God for what He has done! We can awaken and say, “Good morning, Lord!”

What are we to do with sleepless nights then? Let’s remember what King David did in those circumstances. He praised God. He accepted counsel and instruction. He remembered God and His Name. He meditated on God’s promises.

These are much better things to think of instead of the worries of our lives!

I know there are some reading this today who are struggling. For you, I can only share Jesus’ words. “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 – NIV)

Another passage that shows how much you are cared for can be found in 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Isn’t it time for you to get some rest?

I don’t fight my sleeplessness any more. I’ve learned to embrace it. Instead of worrying about not getting enough sleep, I spend that time remembering God and all that He’s done in my life. I prepare for my day with prayer time. I think of all the promises God has given. I listen to His counsel and instruction.

Good morning, Lord!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna