Sleep is a gift?

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“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.”
Psalm 127:2 English Standard Version

Sleep. Elusive sleep. Do you ever get so busy with life that you don’t get the rest you need? Do you lie in bed trying to fall asleep, but anxious thoughts prevent you from doing so?

Perhaps you are preoccupied with work, family, or technology. Do you turn to alcohol, or drugs, to help you sleep?

There are many days when I could go to bed earlier, grab an afternoon nap, or sleep in a little later. The problem is that I find myself going through my mental to-do list, and before you know it:  the day (and part of the night) is gone.

What a sleep-deprived society we have become! No wonder we are addicted to sleeping pills and walk around like zombies. Ever notice how a problem may seem huge before you go to bed, but it’s not as big of a deal after a good night’s sleep?

I came across this passage from the book of Psalms. Here the psalmist addresses the workaholic who continues without proper rest, resulting in anxiety. The writer is not promoting laziness or too much sleep, as that can also result in inactivity and complacency. The idea is to strike the right balance in your life for the Lord. Toiling only to gain worldly aspirations will lead to frustration and restlessness.

I must admit, I have never really thought of sleep as a gift from God. It is wonderful when you wake up from a deep sleep and feel refreshed, or when you sneak in a 10-minute cat nap (in the middle of the afternoon) to get an added boost to finish out the day.

Lord, let me strive to keep you in the forefront so that my work is not in vain, for I know you will always provide rest.

“…..Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
Psalm 30:5 English Standard Version

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