“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.” (Psalm 23:1-2)
It’s 12:30 AM and I’m awake. Tossing and turning. Shifting to find the perfect comfortable position, to no avail. Desperate to get some sleep, I turn on the T.V. hoping the news might lull me into slumber. Half an hour later: still wide awake.
Ignore the pain. Think of something else. Try praying
2:00 AM and I’ve prayed for all my loved ones. I advise myself: Instead of sheep, count your blessings one by one. Then you’ll see what the Lord has done.
Dear God, I’m grateful that I can still walk. And that my multiple sclerosis hasn’t affected my vision. Thank you for a loving husband who tenderly cares for my medical needs. For sending Your son to die for my sin. For Your faithfulness to provide strength for today. . .
Two hours later I’m a bit drowsy. Gratitude floods my soul. Masks my pain.
Finally, I drift off. Only to awaken in the morning sleep-deprived. Seeking God’s help to be joyful around others in spite of exhaustion.
Does that sound like your typical nighttime routine? Several days of that can feel a bit like torture.
Ask any new parent who has worn down patches of carpet rocking an infant to sleep. His tiny eyes perpetually alert. As if mocking his mother’s drooping eyelids, heavier than barbells. The baby who has his nights and days reversed doesn’t understand his mom doesn’t have the luxury of snoozing during the day. It will seem impossible for her to function the next day. Tired. Exhausted. Cranky.
In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, Paul includes sleeplessness among his list of physical pains and trials: beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked, in hunger and thirst. . . and without sleep.
Pain can interrupt sleep. What’s the solution? Trust God each night to provide sweet and pleasant sleep.
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)
“‘I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.’ At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me.” (Jeremiah 31:25-26)
“. . . He grants sleep to those He loves.” (Psalm 127:2)
Prayer: Dear Father, Help me this night fall fast asleep. If I awaken during the night, maintain my focus on the private fellowship with You rather than on my pain. Lead me beside the quiet waters of a peaceful mind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her online community she reaches out to other parents of children with special needs. http://theblogfrog.com/1505794
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What do you do when you lie awake at night? What eventually helps you get to sleep?
Thank you!! This is my lot too, except I don’t have pain to deal with, which I’m thankful for! Recently I’ve given up going to bed before 3:30am because I just can’t sleep & get frustrated!! I’m sooo tired, but sleep just seems soooo distant. I’ve worked out that for me there’s a big difference between being tired & sleepy! Once I’m sleepy it makes all the difference to the amount of time I take to get to sleep…..currently I’m asleep by about 5am.
Before I was doing all of the above to help with sleep….thanking the Lord for anything positive in my life & have learnt to do this for a long time. Then I too would pray for all of my friends & family & in fact anything I could think of!
Thank you for reminding me of something else I can do. When my babies were giving me incessant sleepless nights I would pray for martyrs in other countries that are being tortured for their faith with sleep deprivation. I know that they really value others praying for them & it has reminded me anew to add them to nightly prayers.Maybe that’s a reminder too for others to pray for our Christian brothers & sisters who are suffering tortures of all kinds for their faith. Thanks again. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Dear Kerryn,
Thanks for the reminder to pray for our Christian brothers & sisters who are suffering tortures of all kinds for their faith. We can also use nighttime wakefulness to pray for our nation as well. Perhaps we can think of our endless nights as a sort of ministry of intercessory prayer.
God bless you for the burden you have for fellow believers who are persecuted!
I absolutely believe that we are in a “ministry of intercessory prayer.” We are the “Mary’s”……reckon I’ve undergone a personality change ‘cos I was mostly a “Martha!” Yes….prayer for nation is good….have forgotten that one recently. Thanks.
Lord, I pray for Vicki to blossom in her intercessory prayer ministry. Lord, please bless her with restful sleep too & cover her with your peace. Vicki is a blessed & precious child of Yours who needs You to wrap Your loving arms around her when she is in pain. Please soothe her in those times & speak Your loving words into her soul. Thank you Lord that You love to answer our prayers. Amen.
God bless you Vicki. Lotsoluv Kerryn
PS. Woops it’s 4:26am here in Sth Australia & I am feeling a little sleepy now! Love the way the Lord answers prayers for others into us too!
Dear Kerryn,
Here’s a virtual hug from me across the world (near Philadelphia, PA in the US) but heartfelt! God bless you.