For a few years now, I have been learning to deal with sleeplessness at night. 

“Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love.”  2 Corinthians 6:4-6

For a few years now, I have been learning to deal with sleeplessness at night. There have been several reasons why I wake up and then cannot get back to sleep. Often, it is anxiety that keeps me from the rest that I need. At first, I was angry each time I woke up in the middle of the night because sleep re-energizes an introvert like me!

As I have gone through a very stressful time dealing with the death of my father, the emotional frailness of my mother, and my brother being in hospice with terminal cancer and mental illness, I have found myself “socially distancing” from God in my grief and concern.

So when I read this portion of Scripture, the fact that Paul had sleepless nights drew my attention. Now, I do not pretend to know about what Paul was going through as he penned the words in 2 Corinthians, but he does mention going through hardship, distress, and trouble!

My attention was drawn to how he dealt with sleepless nights, among his other challenges: his secret was to dwell in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. He chose an attitude of sincere love, purity, understanding, patience and kindness in response to his challenges!

I find that praying and listening to worship music helps me. This leads to surrendering control to God, no matter what happens, believing that he is a GOOD God.

A song that has really ministered to me is “Good, Good Father” by Chris Tomlin. I invite you to sing it as a prayer to God today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBmwwwiHrOk

Remember that we all need to deal with anxiety and sleeplessness at times, but God is faithful and will never leave us or forsake us! Trust him to give you the rest that you need!

By Karen Woodard
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  Suffering – Spiritual principles to meditate on during hard times
•  Jesus is Always There!
•  Salvation Explained

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