By Dr. Charles W. Page
Do you recall trying to sleep on Christmas Eve
while waiting for Santa to come to town? The anticipation of Saint Nicolas and
all his goodies was just too much—who could sleep? The lyrics of Santa Claus is
Coming to Town taunted me. “He sees you when you’re sleeping—he knows when
you’re awake…” I tossed and turned trying to fall asleep, fearful I’d miss out
on Santa’s visit if he caught me awake. I never doubted Santa’s ability to be
aware of my wakefulness.
Unfortunately, as adults, the issues that keep
us awake during the Christmas season are more complicated than those we
experienced as kids. Financial burdens, strained relationships, difficult
decisions, brooding regrets and fretful thoughts race through our minds and
hinder our rest.
There is someone who “sees you when you’re
sleeping and knows when you’re awake.” It’s not Santa Claus. The Bible reminds
us, God’s eyes never close. Perhaps this truth can tuck us in for the night.
“He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who
keeps you will not slumber.Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber
nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:3-4)
We erroneously think that as we “turn in” that
God somehow “turns off” or moves on to do more important things. But God
doesn’t wait for us to wake up before He returns to work. God is just as active
during our sleep—or sleeplessness. Believers can rest assured knowing God is
awake guarding our lives.
What does God do as we slumber? Psalm 127:1-2
reminds us that God gives to those that He loves as they sleep. What does God
give? Understanding God’s generous nature, one rendering would be that God
gives to the believer whatever is needed at the time. God can give you wisdom
and direction with decisions as you “sleep on it” overnight (Psalm 16:7, James
1:5). Maybe there is a financial need. The scriptures are filled with examples
of how God provided for the physical needs of those He loved as they rested (I
Kings 19:1-8; Exodus 16:1-8).
God’s gifts are good, perfect (James 1:17),
eternal (Ephesians 1:3) and purposeful (Galatians 5:22-25). They do not require
batteries, warranties and cannot be purchased in stores. But they are available
24/7/365—not limited to one night each year. God’s greatest gift did not arrive
under a tree but on a tree (John 3:16). “He who did not spare His own Son, but
delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all
things?” (Romans 8:32)
It’s plain to see, God has our back as we sleep.
Try this Christmas recipe for rest.
- Repent—in
areas where we are aware of our transgressions. “A clean conscience makes
a soft pillow.”
- Release—control
of problems you’re facing and give them over to God.
- Relate—connect
with God through prayer and meditation while in bed.
- Rest—allow
God to do what you cannot do for yourself as you sleep.
- Receive—God’s
unmerited forgiveness, grace and blessings while you sleep.
An English proverb reminds us, “As you make your
bed so you must lie in it.” The truth of God’s Word helps us face our
situations. Although we cannot change the failures of our past, we can rest
with a clean conscience based on God’s gift of forgiveness. Our current
circumstances may appear overwhelming, but God gives His presence and His
guidance in our hour of need. Our future is secure and hopeful when God’s
greatest gift—His Son—is kept in view. A life supported by a vibrant, healthy
relationship with the Shepherd of Sleep makes the most comfortable mattress. In
childlike faith learn to trust Him as you lie down to sleep and remember: “He
sees you when you’re sleeping.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Charles W. Page
is a sleep-deprived surgeon who completed medical school and residency at
Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Page is currently a rural
surgeon and has taken numerous medical mission trips to South America and the
Middle East. He and his wife Joanna live in Texas with their five children. He
is the author of Surrendered Sleep: A Biblical Perspective. You can find
more information at surrenderedsleep.com.
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