SLEEP

At a conference recently, the speaker took a poll asking “How many of you have had enough sleep this week?” Not one in the audience raised their hands. Laughter filled the auditorium as people admitted that their lack of sleep was a consistent problem for them.

Researchers have found that 62% of Americans have sleep problems. Another 40% admit that lack of sleep influences their daily activities. Women, especially, suffer from sleep deprivation as they continually try to meet needs. When they try to “catch up” on their sleep, they find that it is an illusive, non-existent process.

Sleep is unique, given to us by God for a variety of reasons: our muscles rest, our heart rate slows, cells are repaired and replenished. Also, the brain integrates all of our hopes, fears and buried images.

Instead of fighting a God-given necessity, let’s take advantage of the gift of a good night’s sleep which comes from the hand of God directly to us.

It is vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives his beloved sleep. Psalm 127:2

Heavenly Father, please help me discipline my time so that I take advantage of all of the healing properties of sleep. In Jesus’ name. Amen.