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~* NOW THE DAY IS OVER *~
Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8
Upon God's care I lay me down, as a child upon its mother's breast;
No silken couch, nor softest bed could ever give me such deep rest.
~Author Unknown
Trusting God throughout the day allows us to rest peacefully at night. Fear and anxiety are the chief causes of the tension that leads to disturbed rest. And sound
rest is an abolute necessity for the renewing of our bodies, minds, and emotions. Only a peaceful relationship with God and with others allows us this total renewal
at the close of each day. We must learn to relax and release our cares and burdens to the Lord, then claim His promised rest.
'Tis sweet to keep my hand in His, while all is dim--
To close my weary, aching eyes, and trust in Him!
~Author Unknown
Whenever there are those occasional times when sleep eludes us, it is important to center our thoughts on God, the Scriptures, and the loving concern of the Lord
rather than upon the solving of life's many problems.
"Now the Day is Over" was written by Sabine Baring-Gould
(composer of "Onward, Christian Soldiers"). The author was
recognized as one of England's most prolific writers of his
time. Baring-Gould wrote this endearing text for the children
of his church at Horbury Bridge, near Wakefield, England. It
was based on Proverbs 3:24--"When thou liest down, thou
shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep
shall be sweet." The hymn first appeared in the Church
Times on March 16, 1865. It is still a favorite hymn with
children everywhere.
Now the day is over,
Night is drawing nigh,
Shadows of the evening
Steal across the sky.
Now the darkness gathers,
Stars begin to peep,
Birds and beasts and flowers
Soon will be asleep.
Jesus, give the weary
Calm and sweet repose;
With Thy tenderest blessing
May mine eyelids close.
Grant to little children
Visions bright of Thee;
Guard the sailors tossing
On the deep, blue sea.
Comfort those who suffer,
Watching late in pain;
Those who plan some evil
From their sin restrain.
Through the long night watches
May Thine angels spread
Their white wings above me,
Watching 'round my bed.
When the morning wakens,
Then may I arise
Pure, and fresh, and sinless
In Thy holy eyes.
Glory to the Father,
Glory to the Son,
And to Thee, blest Spirit,
While all ages run.
*For Today*: Psalm 3:5, 37:7, 63:1-8, 139:11 & 12
Determine to begin and end each day with your mind centered on
God. Thank Him for providing the renewal of your body, mind,
and emotions as well as--and most importantly--your soul & spirit.
Sing and share this lovely children's hymn before retiring.
Music url: The Cyber Hymnal
Taken from Amazing Grace -- 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions © Copyright 1990 by Kenneth W. Osbeck. Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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