Pastor's Ponderings, December 15, 2014

Thank God for Sweet Sleep

When we cannot sleep, it can really hurt our lives. A recent article in The Independent paper reported that Sleep 'cleans' the brain by flushing out toxins.  It went on to indicate that our brain…uses the time we spend asleep to remove all the waste that builds up when we are awake, much like a "garbage removal system", the US based scientists found.  But sadly, a recent article in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine said approximately 30% of a variety of adult samples drawn from different countries report one or more of the symptoms of insomnia or disturbed sleep.

Unfortunately, many of us do suffer from insomnia or disturbed sleep. When we lie down to sleep, our mind is often concerned about the problems we are facing right now and our worries about the future. Sometimes we can't even go to sleep at a decent hour because we are constantly checking our various social media sites to see how many 'likes' we've received on our latest profile picture. Some of us eat so late at night that we are too full and too hyper to even close our eyes for a little while. 

Sleep disturbances are not a new thing and were even mentioned in Biblical days. When Job tried to sleep, all he could do was toss and turn the entire night (Job 7:4).  David also knew about suffering when he should have been sleeping (Psalm 6:6).  Even if you can afford to purchase a comfortable mattress, Solomon wrote a good night’s rest is not something that even the rich are guaranteed (Ecclesiastes 5:12).

At some point in our lives we all may have difficulty sleeping for a variety of reasons. It is important, however, to know that God desires us to have "sweet sleep" (Proverbs 3:24) and to sleep peacefully (Psalm 4:8). Perhaps scientists are just now figuring out the majesty of His creation around the biology of sleep.

You may take a good nights sleep for granted or have been pleading for healing in that area. Just remember that God desires that we are in good health and sleep is a necessary part of being healthy.  Let's ask God to receive the sleep that is from Him.

Job 7:4
New International Version (NIV)

4 When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’ The night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn.

Psalm 6:6

New International Version (NIV)

6 1 am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.

Ecclesiastes 5:12
New International Version (NIV)

12 The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep,

Proverbs 3:24
New International Version (NIV)

24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Psalm 4:8
New International Version (NIV)

8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.