Time for Some zzz's...

Psalm 23:2-3, “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

No matter what your age, falling asleep can be difficult. I work with a lot of toddlers and preschoolers, and nap time can be challenging at times. They would rather be up playing than missing out on anything. As for my oldest, when she was little, she always liked to be in the middle of what was happening and didn't like to sleep. Now that she's older, naps come easier, but if other people are around, she'd still prefer to be awake.

     By the time we get into our 20’s and 30’s our lives have become more complicated. Bills begin, families begin, stresses and worries set in. Sleep? Sure, when I can find time or at least shut my mind down long enough for it. It may not be the idea of missing out as much as there's just so much on my plate.

     Now, when in we are in our 40’s and 50’s, sleep is for the birds (especially for women). Many of the little worries that come with our little children become bigger worries as they get older. There may be financial or health worries. Or, for some like me, once the house is quiet and all is done for the day, I'm already thinking of other things that need to be done or wondering if I missed getting something done that day. There are some nights, no matter how hard I try to get my mind to only think about sleep, I still lay awake.

     There may come a day when sleep will come easily and I'll get my required ‘eight’ hours of sleep, but until then for all of you who relate in any way with getting our zzz’s, here are some things we can tell ourselves.

-        I did my best today and that's enough- Philippians 4:13

Did you wake up? Were you able to show up? Can you say the kids were fed, clothed, and educated? Did hubby get some time? Is the house still standing? Then it's a win, you did your best. We are only given the day anyway and once in bed, the day is done. Time to relax, close your eyes and sleep.

-        I am allowed to rest without guilt- Psalm 127:2

Worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list while trying to sleep only robs you of peace. Your value does not come when you keep yourself busy. Your worth is in Christ, not your to-do lists. It's ok to sleep now, we all have limitations. Taking time to rest shows you trust God is working, even when you stop. Rest reminds us we are not sovereign, but God is. It's good to take a pause and recharge, even Jesus took time to rest- Mark 6:31.

-        Tomorrow is a fresh start- Lamentations 3:22-23

This is one of my favorite ideas. Once asleep the day is done. No more retakes, no more can be done. We can go to sleep and look forward to a fresh new day. Whatever didn’t get done, that's okay, do it once you're awake, on a new day. No matter if the day was good or left you feeling undone, discouraged, or full of anxiety, no matter what the day brings, we can have hope. Tomorrow brings a new start and a new chance to see God in action. God already has tomorrow under control.

-        I am grateful for the moments of joy today- Psalm 16:11

Like I mentioned, I work with small children. My days can be busy, their fighting attitudes, sometimes moments that build into frustration. Then out of nowhere a little one will offer a hug, or give me an award-winning smile, do or say something that makes me laugh. Among the chaos of several children running about, every day brings little moments of joy or several small moments of joy, and joy can be found all around us. A friendly stranger, a beautiful moment in nature, a moment that brings laughter. As you fall asleep reflect on those moments and thank God.

-        I release all thoughts that no longer serve me- 2 Timothy 1:7

Guess what, as you go to sleep, this day is now part of your past. You can't change it; you can't fix anything that might have gone wrong. Nothing about the day can help you now, let it go. Trust God has it under control and sleep. When you wake up, you'll have a whole new batch of thoughts and situations to face for the day.

-        I am safe, I am loved, I am at peace- Psalm 4:8

I am safe, I have a roof over my head and a comfy bed to sleep in. I like falling asleep with the idea of the Lord placing a dome over my home and property knowing He is keeping us safe from any danger, everything will just bounce off. When my youngest was little and got scared, I told her she was very safe because she not only had her guardian Angel sitting beside her on the bed, but there was one sitting on her windowsill keeping watch. The Lord loves us and like no other, He promises to take care of us. This can bring peace to my mind as I fall asleep. I don't have to add that worry to my active imagination.

-        My body and mind deserve rest- Exodus 33:14

Well, I'm no spring chicken anymore and boy oh boy does my body ever feel it at times. I am beginning to snap, crackle, and pop and if I don't get enough sleep, my head begins to yell at me. Young or old, sleep is good for our bodies. We want children to sleep to help them grow, why is it any different as we get older? Rest gives us a reset button, keeps us healthy, and rejuvenates us to wake up and do it all over again. We deserve it, so take advantage of it. Crawl under your covers and pause for that ‘aaahhh’ moment. See, we all need it.

-        I trust that everything is unfolding as it should- Jeremiah 29:11

That is because that is what God has promised. Mistakes, failures, trials, those grrr moments, those happy moments. When you follow Jesus, put Him in the driver's seat, we can rest knowing that whatever happened that day was how it should have been. If by chance it was a complete mess, and you made too many wrong turns. The Lord will use it to help you another day or time. I can't stress that enough. The day is done; there is nothing more that you can do that will change things. Let it go and trust God.

-        I will let go of stress and welcome calm- Isaiah 26:3

My grandmother used to say when she was having a hard time falling asleep. She pictured her body in her mind then started at her feet working her way up. She would just lay there letting each part find calm and fall asleep. Eventually her body was relaxed and she was asleep. When I've had a hard time sleeping, I turn on my Christian music set to play for thirty minutes. I don't think I've ever made it past the second or third song. The melodies helped me find calm. Green noise, white noise, sounds of nature. All can help you find calm. Let tomorrow bring any new stresses, for now just enjoy the calm.

     Sleeping can be hard for all of us. Hopefully not every night. But when those nights come, try to remember some of these thoughts and know you're not alone, God's right there to help you find your zzz’s. I know it's difficult and I'm there with you. But sleep is good and important, and you deserve it. So, give it to God, and go to sleep.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and if you'd like take a few more minutes to look around or click on my other links, God bless.

     If you haven't already please subscribe to our email list on our homepage https://www.connectwithgoddaily.com/ or join any of our media, and please feel free to visit us on Facebook and join our group. https://www.facebook.com/dailyblessingblog/        

     Also come visit and see what is new in our bookstore. dswells.weebly.com       

     Don't forget to share with your friends some inspiration today and brighten up their day too.     

     For those new to our emails, if you would rather receive these via text or on messenger please let me know through my email, dswell123@yahoo.com or our FaceBook page.