Sleepless

I’ve always been a night owl, mentally more alert in the wee hours than early mornings. In fact, I’ve been known to quote the Creation account in Genesis claiming that I’ve had it right all along because the King James Version says “and the evening and the morning were the first day.” (Genesis 1:5) The world began in darkness and God did His most creative work when He said, “let there be light.” He illuminated our world Himself with a word! And He’s been illuminating it ever since by His Word.

Sometimes my busy mind refuses to allow my body to rest, and it doesn’t have to be during stressful events, but it’s often the case that I’m preoccupied with something heavy. Regardless of the cause, the cure is the same. I turn to conversation with my Heavenly Father and He reassures me with His Word.

“I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.”

Psalms 120:1 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/psa.120.1.nlt

“I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.”

Psalms 63:6 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/psa.63.6.nlt

“My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!”

Psalms 57:7 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/psa.57.7.nlt

“I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.”

Psalms 3:5 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/psa.3.5.nlt

He comforts me with His Presence and encourages me with His love and peace, yet there are still times I simply can’t lie awake any longer waiting for sleep to find me. There are times when I must rise up in obedience and work in the night. His word guides my thoughts, allowing me to be productive rather than frustrated. It’s a win-win!

“You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands.”

Psalms 119:73 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/psa.119.73-74.nlt

It’s a battle in my mind and I’m my own worst enemy, but isn’t it reassuring that I have an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, in my corner in the invisible thought realm? (John 14:26) “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

Ephesians 6:12 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/eph.6.12.nlt

I have a choice each and every night. When sleep won’t come, I can wallow in misery, asking the Lord why He won’t let me sleep, or I can choose to ask Him what He has for me to do. Sleep will come eventually and it will be sweet once I choose obedience!

“Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”

Romans 12:11-12 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/rom.12.11-12.nlt