Do you have trouble sleeping? So many do. And it’s so frustrating. You lay down for a slumber and all you get is a good night bummer. You can’t fall asleep. Or you fall asleep and you wake up. Then you can’t fall asleep again. Should I get up? Should I read? Watch TV? Wake up the computer, too? You start thinking . . . and thinking . . . and . . . How can I change the channels in my mind? How am I going to function tomorrow? Tomorrow? It’s already today! Ahhh!!
Some people can’t fall asleep because there’s something on their minds. Anxiety and depression are sleep blockers. So is being over burdened and overstressed. For some it’s a physical problem. How can you sleep when you’re in pain? Sleeplessness affects job performance. It can also be dangerous. You can fall asleep at the wheel and then wake up to the road bumps. (God bless the person who invented those!) It can make you irritable and even irrational. It has a multitude of causes and effects. But who cares? All you want is some relief and you’ll do anything to solve it . . . from A to ZZZzzz!
If you suffer with sleeplessness, then let me share with you my favorite sleep scriptures:
(Psa 3:5) I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.
(Pro 3:24) When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
(Psa 127:2) It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.
We are always encouraged to give the Lord the day when we get up in the morning. But what about giving the Lord the night when we lay down? Unwind with the Lord. Read a few verses from God’s Word. Meditate on it’s meaning. Give the Lord the day’s events and concerns one by one. Then give the Lord the night’s sleep. Commit yourself and your loved ones to the Lord. Pray for safety and trust God has stationed angels to guard and protect you. (Psa 34:7) The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.
But what if you wake up? Well, maybe you’ve been assigned to prayer watch! Pray for your neighbors. Pray for the nations. Pray for your loved ones and friends. Worship the Lord. Think of His goodness. Keep your mind positive! (Isa 26:3) You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Don’t count sheep. Talk to the Shepherd! Maybe there’s something He wants to say to your heart (1 Sam 3; Esther 6). If you do get up put your mind to something uplifting instead of reading or watching something unedifying. And don’t worry about tomorrow. God will get you through! (Psa 27:1)
Good night!
Louie