Sleep/insomnia

 Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or causes a person to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. It saps our energy, our mood, our health, and our quality of life.  Insomnia and addiction are often linked because a lack of sleep creates physical and emotional issues that we attempt to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.  Insomnia is extremely common in active drinkers and in those who are in recovery after having stopped drinking. 

The God who created us promises sleep to those he loves – that’s us.  There are lots of available tips to help us sleep:  the practice of going to bed and getting up at a set time each day; exercising regularly; not napping after supper; no food or drinks close to bedtime; avoiding anything with caffeine, etc. 

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.  (Psalm 127:2 NIV) 

If something has caused us to be fearful, God promises that we will dwell in safety. We can sleep peacefully because God will be awake to watch over us. 

 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. He who watches over you will not slumber; (Psalm 4:8, 121:3b NIV) 

What keeps us awake?  If it’s worries about the future, God offers peace to us if we will pray and offload our concerns to Him. 

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I ask You to wash through my conscious, sub-conscious, and unconscious mind and cleanse my anxious thoughts with the blood of Jesus so nothing can unsettle me while I sleep.  I will lie down in peace and sleep because You are watching over me.  Amen

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