“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Prov. 3:24
Lord Jesus, I’m doing great with the first half of this verse—“lie down, unafraid.” Using an Olympics metaphor, I not only qualified for the team, I occasionally medal. But in terms of “sweet sleep,” I can’t even compete at a middle-school level.
Though my situation isn’t as severe, I’ve never had more compassion for those who struggle with insomnia and sleeping disorders. Jesus, grant them the diagnosis, care, and resolution they desperately need. The cumulative effects of sleeplessness are documented, and dangerous.
Jesus, for me and others who aren’t awesome at sleeping, we are grateful fear doesn’t have to be our slumber-thief. We can lie down unafraid knowing you are with us and for us. Indeed, we rest in you, even when we don’t get rest from a plethora of ZZ’s. We may doubt what each night will give us sleep-wise, but the Gospel frees us from every doubt about what we have grace-wise.
We can also lie down unafraid, knowing you comfortably, actively, sovereignly occupy the throne of heaven. You never sleep nor slumber, Jesus, because you are vigilant in your care, and tenacious in your tenderness. Hallelujah, and thank you. You rule over every king, cricket, crisis, and cell.
We’ll continue to ask you for “sweet sleep,” Jesus, but intend to rejoice more than ever in the deep, sweet, never-ending rest we have in you. So Very Amen.