How the Bible Can Help Us Sleep Better

A Doctor looks at what God Says About Sleep

by Charles W. Page, MD

http://charleswpage.com/what-the-bible-says-about-sleep

Have you ever realized that God is concerned with your attitude towards sleep? Sleep deprivation, sleep disorders and lack of rest are hot topics being discussed in today’s sleep deprived culture. Have you ever explored what the Creator have to say about sleep and rest?

As a doctor, I face sleep deprivation daily. I have learned to tackle this issue from several different angles. From a spiritual point of view, I have been overwhelmed at how much the scriptures can teach us about how to sleep better. Since we sleep for about one-third of our lives it’s important for believers to understand sleep from a Christian worldview.

Sleep was God’s Idea

God wonderfully created humankind to rest about one third of a day. This is a gentle reminder that we are not in control. This is unique among creation. Elephants, Zebras and other wild animals sleep less than four hours in a 24-hour period. They are designed to always be on alert—ready to escape from predators. But mankind is different—formed to reliquish control.

God is not the sandman

The scriptures do not provide some magical formula to get a little shut-eye. I present to you not a formula but rather a focus. If God established rest it would be wise to look at the owner’s manual–God’s word–for answers.

God’s eyes never close

How can the Bible help us sleep? The One who never slumbers is just as active in our lives as we lay our heads on our pillows as when we are working, praying and living our daily routines.

“He who watches over you will not slumber; nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4, NIV).

As we explore God’s word several attitudes surface about sleep and rest:

A Calm heart

Jesus modeled the perfect balance between activity and rest. Trusting calmly in the protection and provision of His Father, Jesus slept peacefully in the bow of a ship in a raging tempest. Having the Spirit of Christ within, we who believe can rest in the peaceful assurance that God has our back–no matter what storms come our way. Like Jesus, believers should never lose sleep over worry, fear, loneliness, anxiety, relational tensions or tasks left undone. Based on His unmerited favor, God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves as we sleep, providing for our needs and protecting us from harm’s way.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8, NIV).

A Responsive Heart and a Servant’s Heart:

On the other hand, our Lord’s eyes never closed in the garden of Gethsemane. Surrendering to a greater purpose, Jesus prayed and prepared for the suffering of the cross. We typically think that the best way to prepare for a challenging day is to get as much sleep as possible. Ironically, the Lord acted in the reverse. Discipleship sometimes calls for sleeplessness to fulfill God’s purposes.

Have you ever awakened in the still of the night for some unknown reason? Perhaps it’s just some undigested Pizza? Or perhaps—it’s your heavenly Father waking you up to pray for an unknown trial on the horizon. Perhaps God is waking you up to serve someone in need.

An Enduring Heart:

When God calls his followers to give up rest, He also provides them with mercies that are new every morning. The yoke of exhaustion is easy and the burden of sleeplessness is light when we consider that the Lord is working in and through our lives.

Sometimes there are no answers for why we suffer with sleeplessness. Chronic pain can contribute to our lack of sleep. Perhaps suffering with sleeplessness truly is a blessing in disguise. God’s grace is made perfect in our weakness.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” ( 2 Cor. 12:9, NIV).

However, believers can victoriously endure sleep disorders understanding that heaven is just around the corner. Sleep will no doubt be much lower on our priority list as we experience the eternal presence of Jesus with incorruptible bodies, worshiping in the presence of the saints and the angels.

So whatever sleeplessness christians encounter in this world there is a promise of comfort, hope and courage. Insomnia may be a reminder that we are truly not home yet.

Suggestions if you can’t sleep

1. Go to the doctor and get a examination. Jesus used the medicine of his day to heal people. It may be that you have an underlying sleep disorder as the cause for your problem. We have videos here which will encourage you and help you understand sleep disorders and the Bible.

1. If you can’t sleep at night—Get up and pray. Ask God for insight. It may be God is

For more information about what the Bible says about sleep, visit our website.

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