Got Sleep?

Got Sleep?

by Diana Scothorn

For many years I didn’t get proper sleep. Some never sleep, and some sleep too much! These are two illustrations of how the Lord never intended us to live.

The Bible has a lot to say about these bipolar aspects of sleep. We are not to live to rest, but we must sleep to live a productive and healthy life. We have to do more than be disciplined to eat healthy and exercise. We must also be disciplined to go to bed at a consistent time.

Proverbs 20:13 says, “love not to sleep, lest we come to poverty.” Too much sleep is a road to disaster. God tells us He gives His beloved sleep. Sleep is a gift from God. When we don’t understand the value of a gift, we abuse it. It’s abuse to our bodies not to get proper sleep.

I used to feel guilty about…

…sleeping.

I had so much I needed to accomplish before my day ended. If I didn’t finish what I needed to accomplish, it didn’t amount to a good day in my eyes. My worth was based on “my” accomplishments. When we do not understand our purpose, it will trouble us in the midnight hours as we toss and turn with uneasiness.

The devil loves to taunt us in the midnight hour, But God is the deliverer in the midnight hour! Guilt of any kind will keep a person from sleeping.

Guilt comes in all forms. false guilt, which is condemnation, and conviction guilt, the holy spirit, tugging at our hearts when we are doing something we know we are not supposed to do.

It can be as simple as walking with anger and resentment towards someone (whether we are innocent or not) or something big such as drug addiction, marital affair, or a false accusation.

When I was single for many years, I would be afraid someone would break into my home and I would be helpless with no man to defend me. Fear causes dread!

What we dread, we avoid! So I stayed up late every night, avoiding sleep, and felt in control of my environment. God has a good remedy for a good night’s sleep.

It is a matter of recognizing you are abusing the “gift” of sleep, acknowledging to God that you need help, and allowing Him to begin the process of you getting back on track.

My husband makes me laugh when it is time for bed. He will lie his head down, and the moment his head hits the pillow, he is out. I’ll go to say something to him, and the heavy breathing of sleep is in motion.

Are you serious???? You cannot be asleep already. He always jokes and says, “I have a clear conscience.”

I can fall asleep within five to ten minutes, but one second my goodness. Lol!

Fear also causes a lack of sleep.

Fear of being alone, fear of the dark, fear of evil, fear of sickness, fear of death, fear of unpaid bills, fear of Children’s safety, and fear of tomorrow.

Fear is of the devil. Fear is meant to cause worry and anxiety. Worry never changes anything. I have found if I continually meditate on God’s Word throughout the day, God’s Word will continue to minister to me throughout the night.

Your purpose in life requires a good night’s sleep every night. To rise to the life we have been called to live, we must lie down and sleep when it’s time for bed. Sleep is a gift from God!