Recent research concluded that Americans are among the world’s worst when it comes to sleep deprivation. The published statistics reveal: The US (along with France and Taiwan) ranks among the top three most sleep-deprived nations in the world. Indians (54 percent), Americans (49 percent), and Singaporeans (43 percent) reported not getting enough rest due to being too worried or stressed out. Most sleep-deprived Americans (66 percent), however, can’t sleep because they’re anxious about finances and paying their bills.
There are many reasons sleeplessness occurs, but I wonder if there’s a connection between excluding God from our lives and the onset of anxiety and the lack of rest. The writer of Psalm 127:1-5 seems to think so. The song addresses three areas of human activity that can be connected to anxiety—building houses, watching cities, and working long hours to provide for family (Psalm 127:1-2). The author affirms that it’s foolish and frustrating to attempt to do any of these things without the Lord and His blessing, for “God gives rest to his loved ones” (Psalm 127:2).
All builders who build homes, watchmen who guard cities, and people who work long hours to provide for their families, independent of God, will find anxiety and restlessness. But God gives His people rest as they trust in Him and include Him in all their plans.
Let’s trust God, who is ultimately the source of any successful venture in life. When we’re dependent on Him and have a settled confidence in His power and provision for all our human activities, we’ll find sweet sleep without anxiety and fear. “Unless the LORD” leads the way, we’re lost (Psalm 127:1). He alone can provide the peaceful rest we need (Psalm 127:2).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 27:27-44
More:
Read Psalm 121:3-4 and discover one reason God alone can help us rest well.
Next:
What human activity are you doing that is independent of God? What can you do this week to show that you’re truly resting in Him?
Gary Shultz on November 17, 2015 at 6:41 am
There is certainly a peace that comes from God. When we allow other things to push Him out and let them in, the mind becomes hostage to our, usually over active, thoughts. I don’t know how others wake up, but I often find a song, in my heart, on my mind or whatever you call it. I like that to be reminded that “the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me” and other songs that just pop into your mind. That’s a good start for me, even if I didn’t get all the sleep that I really wanted. Thanks……..ZZZzzzzzzzzzzz
marvin williams on November 17, 2015 at 11:27 am
Gary, that’s one of my favorite songs. Thanks for the encouragement and adding your thoughts here. Grace and peace.
Tom Felten on November 17, 2015 at 8:35 am
Marvin, thanks for pointing us to the ultimate source of peace and rest—Jesus. When I have those restless nights, so often it’s due to my attempts to try and fix things that are too big for me. How much better it is to bring my burdens to God and leave them there (Psalm 55:22). Praise God for His power and presence!
marvin williams on November 17, 2015 at 11:31 am
Tom, I concur. Typically, when I am trying to churn it out and do it in my own strength, I am filled with all kinds of anxiety and restlessness. However, when I rest in him and don’t feel the need to impress or know it all, I am more calm and restful. I will take my burdens to the Lord and leave them there. Thanks for adding your voice. Blessings! #GoGreen!
jim spillane on November 17, 2015 at 11:59 am
Marvin, Gary, Tom – As it states in Psalm 121:1b-2a, “From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord,” A few weeks ago, the theme of that day’s message was “Trust more, worry less” and I am making a conscious effort to apply those simple but powerful words to my everyday life because I have often been reminded that I appear to worry about certain things too much. Lord, please give me strength. Thank you.