March 30
NOW THE DAY IS OVER
Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834–1924I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make 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.
—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 absolute 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 and 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!
—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, a minister in the Anglican church, was recognized as one of England’s most prolific writers of his time. Baring-Gould wrote this charming text for the children of his parish 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.
Jesus, give the weary calm and sweet repose; with Thy tend’rest blessing may mine eyelids close.
Thru 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.
For Today: Psalm 3:5; Psalm 37:7; Psalm 63:1–8; Psalm 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. Sing and share this lovely children’s hymn before retiring—
Osbeck, Kenneth W. Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996. Print.
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