Sleepless Nights

He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:3, 4

How many times have you had a sleepless night? As a chronic insomniac, I can tell you I have lost count. Usually it is worry that keeps me awake. Shutting off my mind can be almost impossible sometimes. I keep thinking and thinking (and over-thinking) my problem or concern. Sometimes I don't even know the reason I can't sleep. Once a bad sleep pattern like that is established, it is hard to break. Every night at the same time I wake up, and breaking that brain habit is difficult. I don't seem to have a particular problem I am worried about. Perhaps it was the snack I ate before bed!

But I need not worry like that. Easy to say, I know, but hard to practice. God is never asleep; He is always up, around the clock, watching over us. He protects us, even when we are in the defenseless act of sleeping. He is there to guard our hearts, minds and bodies as we go into one of the most physically vulnerable tasks we do. We can find rest in Him, not only spiritual, but also physical. We can take time to simply sleep. After the verses above, in Psalm 121:5, 6, God is also described as being a shade, protecting us from the sun as well. I take these verses not only as His figurative protection, but also literally. He is concerned about our physical well-being, giving us protection during sleep and wakeful times. He designed our minds and bodies to work together and knows that His creation cannot be completely disconnected from the physical body He put around our soul.

Whenever you face a sleepless night, pray that God will watch over you while you rest. Don't hesitate to ask for restful sleep; He created that as essential to our physical and spiritual welfare. He never sleeps; He is always available to watch over us and protect us. Even during that little afternoon catnap.

God, give me restful sleep at night so that I may be alert to do Your will. I know you will watch over me and protect me. I know that You are already working out the problems that rob me of sleep. Grant me patience as I wait on You.Amen.

Nikki Hamsher