Part 1
I’ve been thinking about sleep lately. I’ve always needed a lot of sleep. According to my mother, I was a very good baby and slept a lot. As a child, I can remember happily going for a nap; unlike my sister who, on one occasion, jumped out of the window to escape an afternoon nap. Now, in middle age, I’m still happy to take a nap, and I don’t cope well with late nights.
We all need sleep. “Sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Healthy sleep also helps the body remain healthy and stave off diseases. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly, impairing your abilities to concentrate, think clearly, and process memories,” www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/why-do-we-need-sleep
He who believes in God is not careful for the morrow, but labours joyfully and with a great heart. ‘For He giveth His beloved sleep.’ They must work and watch, yet never be careful or anxious, but commit all to Him, and live in serene tranquillity; with a quiet heart, as one who sleeps safely and quietly.
Martin Luther
I don’t know if you are having difficulty with sleep. Perhaps you have physical ailments that keep you awake; or you are worried about your future; or your family. Perhaps you have a young baby, or a sick child, and your sleep is disturbed as you minister to them. Perhaps you have regrets about the past. Perhaps other people are causing you difficulties. Perhaps you lie awake, thinking about things you should have said. Perhaps you are carrying a burden of unforgiveness and hurt.
What does God say about sleep? In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety, Psalms 4:8 (NIV).
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet, Proverbs 3:24 (NIV).
PRAYER: Dear God, thank you for my bed. Thank you for telling me that you keep me safe. Forgive me when I don’t trust you with my circumstances, and I think that I have to solve my problems on my own. I claim your promises of peaceful sleep. Help me to tell you about the hurt that others have caused me. Help me to confess my sins. Thank you for your promise of forgiveness of my sins, and of the sins committed against me, given because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Are you sleeping well? What is keeping you awake? Do the Bible verses help?
Annalyn