At Trinity, we are committed to helping our members with their spiritual health, but also their mental health and physical health as well.
Today is World Sleep Day. One in three adults is not getting enough sleep. Nearly 75 percent of high school students don't get a healthy amount of sleep. About half of all children aren't getting the recommended number of rest hours they need.
Trinity's Parish Nurse Lisa Riviera said sleep is so important. Without sleep, things like reaction time, the ability to recall information and alertness suffer. Those are just short-term effects. Long term, a lack of sleep can lead to things like heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, stroke and depression.
In honor of World Sleep Day, Riviera has created a devotion.
Devotion for world sleep day
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
Sleep, we have all struggled with it at one time or another. Sometimes we can fall asleep only to wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to get back to sleep. Other times we toss and turn wanting so baldly to get some rest and hours go by with no success. I had one daughter who fought going to sleep for years probably because she was afraid, she would miss out if she did. Then there are the night owls, they “work better at night.” the only problem is there is a lot asked of us in the morning and with out enough sleep those night owls can be down right dangerous on the road.
I chose Psalm 4:8 for this devotion because I think in all the examples of sleep issues, I cited there is one thing in common. The focus is on what we are trying to do and how we are failing. For those who wake up during the middle of the night, and I have been there, and struggle to fall back to sleep, I can tell you that more than likely there is something you didn’t let go of before you went to sleep. In all these circumstances there are any number of things that will help. Sleeping in a cool room, avoiding caffeine several hours before bed. Avoiding electronic devices an hour before bed. Etc.. But how often do you try dwelling in God’s safety before bed. Prayer, meditating on His word. Visualizing laying your problems at Jesus feet. Even asking someone you trust to pray for you. In some form or fashion giving it over to God. It takes work and effort and sometimes we don’t feel like we can do one more thing, but I urge you to start small and then continue to build on the time you spend with God giving him your burdens, resting in His truth and promises. It’s not as hard as it seems. But the rewards are endless.
When you see how God can give you rest when you seek Him you might just start seeking Him more. You might even share your success with someone else. For all you give to God He will give you the rest you need. Let me give you an example of how to pray on this.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I am so overwhelmed right now. These problems and concerns I have won’t leave my thoughts. I am bringing them to you right now and leaving them at the feet of Jesus. I trust you, Lord. I know you are greater and more powerful than any of this. Please fill me with your peace. Grant my mind rest and help me to wake up refreshed and ready tomorrow morning to serve you. Holy Spirit speak the words to my heart and mind that will encourage me to rest in your promises. Thank you for all you have blessed me with and thank you for this time to be with you. Amen
World Sleep Day
