The baby monitor’s dual display makes it easy to see who’s awake. The side of the screen outlined in red is registering sound, but before my eyes are fully opened, I’m unsure who’s cries I’m hearing. My grandchildren, like my own children, are close in age and their tiny voices sound very much the same sometimes. When I’m holding the monitor overnight in an effort to allow my kids uninterrupted sleep, my waking thoughts are simultaneously prayers.
Lord, please calm their little minds and help them to rest. We all need our sleep, Jesus. You created our bodies and provided us with days and nights so we have time to recharge for what’s ahead. It doesn’t even matters who’s wakeful. We all benefit from rest. You know exactly what we need, Lord.
Usually by the time I’ve finished praying, the little ones are settled again, but not always. Even if I’m up for a time during the night, especially when I’m the wakeful one, telling the Lord what I know to be true is helpful to me. He is of course already aware but I am reminded of my dependence on Him in all things, even my need for sleep, and I am reminded of His sufficiency.
“I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.
Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.”
Psalms 63:6-7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.63.6-7.NLT
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
Psalms 91:1-2, 4 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.91.1-4.NLT
“He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.”
Psalms 62:2, 5-8 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.62.5.NLT
“I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.”
Psalms 63:8 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.63.8.NLT
These middle of the night or middle of the crisis pep-talks have not always been my default setting- still aren’t always- but I’m learning that pouring my heart out to God not only allows His peace which is beyond understanding to guard my heart and mind, but it helps me to recognize and receive His perfect provision for my need.
“God—you’re my God!
I can’t get enough of you!
I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts.
So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you.”
Psalm 63:1-4 MSG
https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.63.1-4.MSG
Eugene Peterson’s wording in his Message translation of Psalm 63 resonates with me in this season of grand-parenting. “If I’m sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection, and because You’ve always stood up for me, I’m free to run and play. I hold onto You for dear life and You hold me steady as a post.”
A Fitting Reply 