Sometimes it is difficult to shut my mind down when needing to go to sleep at night. This is often the case Sunday evenings as I seem to continue processing the focuses and interactions of the day. It also occurs following teaching two Bible studies I share each week at a Washington State corrections center even though I try to debrief and process things as I pray on the long drive home. I (and my wife) have come to understand it is the way I am. Yet, in spite of the lack of rest, God always seems to sustain me in work needing to be done on the following days and I am at rest.
Someone has said, “Exchange your restlessness for God’s peace.” I do find a great sense of peace engaging in the work of encouraging others and sharing the Scriptures with them. It has also been noted, “Instead of counting sheep at night, talk to the Shepherd.” And what a privilege we have in taking all things to our God in prayer.
In one of the psalms of the sons of Korah we read. . .
“(8) By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.” (Psalm 42:8 ESV)
This was stated despite the challenges of life mentioned in this psalm. Acknowledging the love of God, there remained comfort in the night.
As we go about the various aspects of our life, may God’s song of prayer — our abiding connection with Him — remain so that we can be at rest even when sleep might not come quickly!
Have a great day AT REST IN THE LORD!
Carl
