When my father passed and life changed for me, I noticed that I began not to sleep. I learned through counseling that this was fairly normal with grief. Of course it was diagnosed as Insomnia. I stayed wide awake on the internet most nights until 5-6-7 am. Then sleep for a couple of hours. It was never a deep good sleep where I would feel well rested. The doctors, counselors and even some friends would say that I should take something but I did not deem it to be that serious. I went on like this for about 6 months. Then once I moved back to Los Angeles with my family, it seemed to calm down. I began to get sleep and along with sleep comes some peace. I hadn't realized how serious my lack of sleep was until I began to rest again. Then I read a blog and she expressed her thoughts on sleep with all the worries of the world. So, I felt the desire to share this. I know that there are blessings in sleep. God gave us rest so that we may have some sort of peace. Be encouraged and get some rest.
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety"
Psalm 4:8 ESV
Sleep is critically important to not only our physical health, but also our spiritual wellbeing. That may sound a little simplistic, but sometimes lack of sleep can actually cause a spiritual problem. As a Christian, you should be able to sleep in peace at night knowing that God is in control. But when you lose sleep, not only are you physically unprepared, you become spiritually weak, because your mind is not sharp enough to be set on the things of God. Medically, lack of sleep can cause depression, irritability and a grumpy demeanor. Do these sound like characteristics of a victorious Christian? Just the opposite. So get your proper sleep each night, and you'll have more energy, be in a better mood and even move closer to God!
"He gives blessing to His beloved in sleep"
(Psalm127:2 AMP)
The Lord longs to pour out blessings on you constantly—even when you sleep! Many people today struggle with sleeping at night. They stay awake or get poor sleep because they are constantly focused on their problems and worrying about tomorrow. But that's not God's plan for you! He wants you to enjoy your sleep as a time of blessing and refreshing. Understand that God has His hand on your life even in the midnight hour. He wants to speak to your heart and restore your dreams. He is taking care of those things that concern you. When you cast your cares on Him and trust Him to work out every detail of your life, you'll be able to enjoy that sweet sleep that He has promised. Make the decision today to enjoy the blessing of the Lord as you sleep tonight. Say a prayer before you go to bed and cast your cares on Him. As you allow the Lord to bless and refresh you in sleep, you'll see a tremendous change in your waking hours. You'll be more invigorated, more alert, and full of the blessing of the Lord in every area of your life!
