My friend Martie complained of having sleepless nights! The first thought that crossed my mind is that she must be in some difficulty. I immediately inquired from her if that is the case. She said no, but she can’t seem to “switch off” at night. That’s when it hit me… I am not the only one that goes to bed with a dead tired body but after the light goes out the checkered flag is raised and the Monaco Grand Prix starts up in my head. Thoughts racing at 200 km per hour but they can never seem to cross the finish line.
There can be various reasons why you can’t sleep. It’s always good to make sure that there are no obstacles hindering a good night sleep.
So let’s see:
This was my lot, by day the heat consumed me and by night the cold and I could not sleep Gen31:40. Make sure your bed, bedroom, pajamas, pillow, room temperature, mosquitoes or pet interference is taken care of. If you need a new mattress then go and get one! Don’t take any substance that will keep you awake before bedtime, and don’t go to bed too late.
It is vain for you to rise up early, to take rest late, and to eat the bread of anxious toil-for He gives blessings to His beloved in sleep Ps 127:2. God bestows “sleep” upon his people in some sense in which it is not bestowed on others, or that there is, in regard to their case, something in which they differ from those who are so anxious and troubled – who rise so early for the sake of gain – who toil so late – who eat the bread of care. The idea seems to be that there would be calmness, repose, and freedom from anxiety or solicitude. God makes the mind of his people – his beloved – calm and tranquil, while the world around is filled with anxiety and restlessness – busy, bustling and worried. As a consequence of this calmness of mind, and of their confidence in him, they enjoy undisturbed repose at night. They are not kept wakeful and anxious about their worldly affairs as other men are, for they leave all with God, and thus he “giveth” his beloved sleep.” (Barnes commentary).
In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust Ps 127:2. Sleep, is a precious commodity in this day and age. Going to the Spa is old hat… going to a sleep clinic is the “in” thing.
I have two practical tips you can try to “switching off”. Instead of counting sheep jumping over a fence, count your blessings as you put them in basket. Or, you can download the Bible onto your iPod or Mobile phone and listen to it after you turned off the lights. If you find your mind still racing by whilst the bible message is playing, I repeat in my mind that which is said and so keep my concentration on the message.
Before I say good night, sleep tight, I leave you with these words: When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. Pro3:24. This is a promise from the Lord. Take it and sleep on it.
Lorraine Lyon
