Ever have trouble sleeping? Me too!Like Sleeping Beauty, sleep often seems like a waste of time to me. I think that if I didn't have to do it, I would get so much more done in life. Other times, I admit, it's nice and there's nothing better than to fall asleep near a warm fire, in my favorite chair in the middle of the afternoon. I guess I like sleep best when I can choose it, not when it is forced upon me like an evil spell. So, even though I and others might view sleep as an inconvenience, it is good for humans to sleep and therefore, we must choose it and allow ourselves to receive its benefits.
In the same way, spiritually speaking, a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ is the best choice (and really the only choice) that is good for us as well - because HE is good! We must choose Him and allow ourselves to bask in His goodness, receiving the benefits of relationship with Him.
In being Christian, we can choose to be 'selective nappers' as it were, and still feel warmth and refreshment in those times when we nap, but clearly the benefits to those on a 'consistent sleep schedule' are superior. Sleep is proven to prolong your life and promote good health. A vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ has physical and spiritual benefits – ultimately - forgiveness, eternal life and intimate knowledge of the Father. But also, Jesus promised us rest from worry, peace in difficulty, companionship in solitude and more. In Luke 24:44-53 Christ clearly stated that the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms spoke of Him. As God – His story and benefits begin in Genesis and end in Revelation. We are talking about the same God – One God - the God of the Holy Bible. This section from the Old Testament Psalms is one of my personal favorites…
Psalm 103 NLT various verses
"Praise the Lord, I tell myself, with my whole heart. I will praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my disease. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s….The Lord is merciful and gracious; He is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love…The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate…the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear Him. His salvation extends to the children’s children…
Psalm 103 NKJ same various verses for your poetic types
“Bless the Lord, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s … The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy … As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him… But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him. And His righteousness to children’s children…”
We should not slack on sleep and we must not slack on our relationship with Jesus Christ. He is God and with Him there are many lasting benefits.
See Also: John 14 / Matthew 11:28-30 / Mark 3:28-29.
I wrote this poem long ago as one suggestion for a solution to lack of sleep.
Sleep
by Carmen E. Richards
For Fellow Insomniacs: The only cure for sleeplessness is to dream of the One who is LOVE
Sleep would be sweet
If I could spend it
Dreaming of You
Time would stand still
And age not slowly kill
My desire for You
Not even "true love's" first kiss
From a slumber like this
Could awaken dozing me
Back into the harsh reality
Of languishing days spent
Without You - In sweet sleep
I'm singing and dancing
Summer, spring romancing
Every season's enchanting
In endless repose
Eyes forever closed
Divinely adrift
Asleep
And dreaming of You
Sweet Dreams!
In His Love,
Carmen
For more on sleep benies and sleep deprivation visit:
http://www.fi.edu/brain/sleep.htm
http://www.englander.com/BenefitsOfSleep.htm
What do you do when you can't sleep?
2 comments:
I feel like sleeping right now! Heb 4 says its good to rest!
You are right Jess - since I did the research - I've realized sleep is sweet - Psalms says He gives His beloved sleep... / You will both lie down and sleep in peace... Sleep is good. I'm trying to get more of it and trust God can still accomplish His purposes in and through me to completion.
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