It’s one of those sleepless nights.  I hear the rain pattering the roof.  It’s a gentle rain, not one of those driving, blow your roof off and terrify the dog kind of rains.  It’s the kind that usually lulls me into a blissful slumber.  Added to the sweet sound is the snow that has fallen over the past weeks melting and running off the roof in a constant waterfall.  So, I should be off in some wonderful dream, relaxing away the work and tension of the day.  Instead, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, listening to the outside world.

Most nights that I can’t sleep, it’s because my mind is working overtime.  I’m a natural-born worrier.  I become overwhelmed during the daylight hours by some issue and find my mind distorting and exaggerating that issue into some unlikely situation during the night hours.  Sleep is impossible when your mind is dragging you through every possible terrible outcome.  Before long, your mind is reviewing every little irritation of the day and running down every path of fear and doubt humanly possible.  Those nights, I have to get out of bed, take my Bible to the living room and let the Word penetrate my thoughts and bring them into the peace and faith that only God can give.  God reminds me that those nights of incessant worry are in truth my inability to let go and leave everything in His faithful hands.  In essence, I’m telling God in those sleepless hours that I don’t have faith, that I don’t trust Him to take care of my every need.

The Word of God is full of His promises for our life, promises that include His desire for us to not be afraid and for us to receive rest.  “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10; “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46:1; “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30; “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”  Psalm 56:3; “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6.  These are only a few of my favorites.  Our Lord wants us to be free of stress and worry, to trust Him.

No, tonight I’m able to rest in His promises.  Tonight, my sleeplessness isn’t from my overactive worry machine (otherwise known as the mind!).  Tonight, I’m awake because of the incredible God we serve.  Tonight, despite the troubles that attack our lives from every direction, I am focused on the wonderful works He’s done, the faithfulness He’s demonstrated in my life, and the promises from His Word that cradle me and allow me to rest in His loving arms.  Tonight, I just want to listen to the precious sounds from outside, the water running off the roof and the rain pattering overhead and join in the song, praising the Lord that tonight, my sleeplessness is peaceful and not worried.  Tonight, despite my sleeplessness, I am still in His rest.