Sleepless Nights
Posted: 10/9/2019
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17, NKJV)
Here I am, lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, sleepless. Body still but mind racing.
I forgot to contact Kathy today. Did my daughter realize she hurt my feelings with that comment? What if I don’t make my deadline? I should have exercised today.
Why does life seem darker at night? And I don’t just mean physically. It’s as though Satan and his minions wait for me to be alone so they can attack my mind.
Recently, I began to meditate on Philippians 4:6: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Did the Apostle Paul really mean anything? Is not worrying even possible? Isn’t worry just part of human nature?
Yes, worry is part of our fallen human nature. With sin came the tendency to fear, and fear manifests itself in worry.
As God’s beloved children, we are called to faith, not fear. Fear says, “I have no one to trust.” Faith says, “I will trust God.” So, how do we choose faith instead of fear?
The apostle Paul wrote, “… faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). When I meditate on the promises of God, my thoughts change from panic to praise, and from praise to peace.
What is most worrisome in your life right now? Study the Bible to find verses that will give you ammunition for that battleground. When you choose not to worry and begin praising God for His promises (Phil. 4:6), then you will experience God’s peace (Phil. 4:7). Praise replaces panic and brings peace.
Experiencing God’s peace is possible. When we learn to cast our cares on God and trust Him to handle them, faith will conquer fear. Worry sees problems, but faith sees the God who can handle problems.
Internalizing God’s Word is what changes how we battle worry. When we choose to replace our fearful thoughts with faith-filled truths, we find comfort and peace in His promises. Then, maybe, we can finally get a good night’s sleep.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for watching over me every night. Forgive me for the times I have worried. Instead of tossing and turning in bed, I want to turn the pages of scripture in my head. I want to rest in You. Amen.
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