When a Restless Night Turns into Renewal

I lay in the bed, as the sheets tangled around my legs. I restlessly flipped to my stomach only to toss and turn, then flip onto my back. My mind runs while rest evades me. The minutes on the clock tick ever so slowly, amplifying my frustration. I turn positions again, and again attempting to shift the weight of the day. 

Does your body toss and turn while your mind runs? Do you ever fight for sleep, only to lose? Me too! In the spirit of transparency, I am writing this post at 3:00 a.m. (Haha-)

It is in these early dark moments that I often get up and move to my couch. When I take the early wake-up call as an invitation from the Lord, I come into a holy space. It is in these moments of restlessness that He gives me direction and often my much-needed rest. 

If you can relate to sleepless nights and a mind that won't stop running, then I'd like to share two helpful steps. The next time you face insomnia, try applying the following: 

1.) Ask yourself this question: Am I trusting in myself and my own power for this situation, or am I trusting the Lord? When trusting in God's power, do I also believe He will be good to me? 

2.) Then preach to yourself this favorite Bible passage, which reads, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV) 

This verse is an invitation to have complete confidence in our Abba, Father. He tells us to surrender our doubts and struggles to Him. We can come seeking His strength and direction, and He will direct us. He is telling his children to embrace a sense of peace because His ways are better than ours. For this to happen, we must release our control, understanding that our Father knows what is best for us. He will guide us into good and straight paths. Thus, this journey of faith becomes not just about understanding the future but about embracing the unknown with confidence and hope. It is about trusting in our good God and taking the next step of faith. 

It is about trusting in our good God and taking the next step of faith. 

As I type these very words, I am choosing to rest in Christ's strength and wisdom. As I do, my bed is calling me back for sleep. Friends, next time you are unable to relax, turn to Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in Your Lord. Do not lean on your understanding but HIS. He's got this. He will open up the path before you and me. -Let's talk more next week. 

For now- 

Sweet Dreams.

(Pic from Canva)