It happens at night sometimes.
I turn in for the evening and flick my mind’s switch to the off position. Yet, the light bulb in my head refuses to grow dim.
I lay awake.
Thoughts and ideas shine brightly in my brain. They illuminate my mind and keep me up by rebelling against my command to rest. The fabled Sandman, if he were real, would fail to pay me a visit on nights like this, and nary a sheep would show up to be counted.
Daily Cup family, “Slumberland” seems an unreachable destination on evenings when restfulness is replaced with an intrusive barrage of thoughts. Thank God this doesn’t happen all the time, or else I would be like a mummified zombie, wrapped in exhaustion, and unable to function for lack of sleep!
Can you relate?
If so, then you know when insomnia, induced by an overactive mind, takes over, you tend to think about what you didn’t do that day, and what you have to do the next morning. Sometimes your mental time machine carries you into the past and future, near and far away. Doesn’t it?
Before you know it, you’re living in next week, next month, and maybe even next year. Sometimes, like Marty McFly in the movie “Back to the Future,” you land somewhere in yesteryear. Only, you have no power to change anything, so you fruitlessly relive past moments exclusively inside your head.
By then, sleep is just nowhere to be found.
I don’t know about you, but when I get like this, it’s usually because I need to pray and release some things to the Lord. My inability to drop off indicates that I haven’t dropped off certain burdens I’m carrying. Therefore, my restlessness is a manifestation of my failure to rest in God.
Not leaning on the Lord completely, and leaning on our own understanding, robs us of more than our sleep. Trying to be self-reliant instead of God-dependent steals away our peace, security, and joy. And God doesn’t want to see us stressed out, anxious, worried, and tense. He never intended for us to try to figure life out all by ourselves when we have Him on our side to walk with us and guide us.
Why do we voluntarily place ourselves on emotional roller coasters by not casting our cares upon the Lord?
Our Father wants us to release everything to Him and seek Him for direction in all matters. When we do, He'll gladly show us which way to go, because it is God's good pleasure and His place to do so.
To remind you of this truth, I’m stirring a scriptural favorite into your cup of inspiration found in Proverbs 3:6 NLT which says, “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you will be reminded that releasing control and seeking God is the key to receiving divine direction. Once God, who is past figuring out, shows us the way, we are instantly equipped to walk in serenity, purpose, and productivity daily.
Instead of being plagued by worry and unnecessary anxiety, may the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7).
Whatever may be ailing, concerning, or weighing heavily upon you, I encourage you to release it to the Lord right now.
Then your life… and sleep will be sweet.
Now let’s pray.
Dear God, please forgive me for all the times I have tried to figure things out instead of seeking You out for guidance. Today, I give up worrying about my future and my past, and I fully place my trust in You, my alpha and omega. Right now, I release my controlling grip and open my heart to receive Your guidance. I trust You Lord! In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.