Psalm 3:5 (CEB)

I lie down, sleep, and wake up
    because the Lord helps me.

Reflection

I envy people who can easily fall asleep. You know, those people who can comfortably sleep anywhere, even when traveling? The kind of people who can sleep in on their day off? That’s not me. I’ve got a full on routine to get to sleep complete with night mode on electronics, “Sleepytime” tea, perhaps some counting of sheep. And then, even once I eventually fall asleep, after a long time of overanalyzing my day, it’s difficult to stay asleep. I’m definitely a light sleeper, and often wake up at ridiculous hours inspired to write about something that I guess a dream prompted. I don’t even need an alarm, when the sun rises, so do I even if I went to bed late. Coffee and I are old friends.

Apparently others share in this dilemma. According to the CDC, more than a third of adults in the United States report regularly getting less than 7 hours of sleep a night, which seems exceptionally prevalent on the east coast. This report also talks about the long-term negative affects this lack of sleep can have on our bodies.

We often pray to God to help us get through tasks or events, to give us the strength to accomplish goals or grow. I’m not sure how common praying to God to help us rest is in comparison. Why shouldn’t we though? Sleep is (or at least should be) a third of our whole life. Perhaps for those of us who find their brains too active to easily find sleep, centering our thoughts around God’s loving presence and asking for God’s help is the key. Maybe for people who have a tough time waking up in the morning and getting the day started can find strength and energy in looking to God for help.

By Rachel Callender

For Pondering & Prayer

Are you a morning person or a night person? Light or heavy sleeper? Think about how you can include God in your time of resting and waking.

Prayer: God of Rest, as we go about our day and into the night, help us find true, healthy rest. Help us sleep so that our waking hours may be filled be energized to worship and praise You, Lord. Amen.