Overcoming WearinessSample

WEARINESS OF BODY

To need sleep is human.

Did you know that humans are the only mammals that will willingly delay their need for sleep? According to NASA, the perfect nap is 26 minutes—personally, I would like to object to that one. There are over 80 official sleep disorders, and considering we sleep a third of our day away, this means if one lives to the age of 60, we are asleep for 20 years of it. It's mind-blowing to realize how much of our lives are spent sleeping.

Even Jesus, who took on human form, got tired physically. John 4:6 tells us he sat down wearily next to a well when tired from his trip, and in Matthew 8:24, we read of him falling asleep on a boat during a fierce storm. I will say it again: to need sleep is human.

Sleep is also a nightly reminder of our fragility and our limitations. Whilst asleep, we are...

• Unconscious, which means we are vulnerable.
• Inactive, which means we are unproductive.
• Exposed, which means we are unprotected.
• Dependent on it, which means we are helpless.

Therefore, sleep is an act of faith, as Psalm 4:8 and Psalm 121:4 remind us that the Lord watches over us and never slumbers nor sleeps. The Creator doesn't need to sleep, but the created one does. Sleep is a way to realize our glorious limitations as we surrender to the posture of sleep.

Sleep is also a blessing, as Psalm 127:2 tells us that God gives blessings to his beloved even in his sleep. Everything from our blood vessels to our immune system uses sleep for repair and restoration. Even your brain changes its function when asleep, operating almost like a kidney in removing waste from the system. At the same time, it stores information, giving space for new learning. God has designed our body with the ability to restore itself whilst asleep. What an incredible blessing.

As you climb into bed, I encourage you this evening to acknowledge the power of God, who is watching over you while you sleep. Thank Him for the gift of sleep and surrender to Him, the one who never slumbers nor sleeps.

Pray:

Lord, I thank you for the gift of sleep. Thank you for being my shelter and protector even while I sleep. I thank you for the gift of restoration while I sleep, and I pray for your peace to guard my heart and mind even while I sleep. Amen.