Rest, And Be Ye Not Weary

Joyce C. Lock
Reproduced with Permission

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

I was thinking, this morning, how, in Alaska, they have six months of no night. It struck me how difficult it would be to shut out the daylight and sleep, as if it were night; again, and again, and again. What a time of adjustment that would be, every six months, for everyone ... darker, thicker, drapes to block the piercing,Êunending, sunlight trying to force its way in through the glass ... thicker paned windows to block the noise of the traffic. Just traipsing off to bed (at night, during the day, who knows?)Êwould be a struggle!

Can you imagine sending the children to bed, with their nightly prayers, at 8 PM and, at midnight, discovering them still laying in their little beds howling, "But it's not dark enough to go to sleep, YET, Mom!'"

I expect that is probably one of the burdens and, also, one of the joys one receives, to live in such a beautiful State.

As I continued pondering about Alaska, it made me thinkÊof the overwhelming kindness and wisdom of our Father, in Heaven; who created the heavens and earth, and who knewÊwhere each of us would, some day, be living.

I was thinking how God has continuously provided for ALL our needs, right from the very beginning of Creation, to this day; even to giving us twelve hours of dark and enabling us to give our bodies and minds the sleep they so need ... so we might be physically, mentally,Êemotionally, and spiritually refreshed to serve Him.

How gracious He is. One would think He had a motive! Oh, yes! He always has a motive!

Sleep is so necessary for our well being, both inside and out. If we do not receive the rest our bodies naturally need, we suffer. Our bodies become weary with the 'necessary doings' of this life. Our minds become sluggish. Our attention becomes centered on the fact that we are over tired. ÊMost importantly, our wells begin to dry up Spiritually.

Studies show that, when we are deprived of sleep, we shut down. Our brain refuses to cooperate. We become easily irritatedÊand irritating to others. Our immune systems become more susceptible to diseases.

Our children, who do not get enough sleep, find it more difficult to learn and retain; which causes them to cooperate less in school. Most importantly, they don't achieve their potential.

Is it the same for adults? Our bodies crave for what God placed into them; the need for rest.

It is vain for you to rise up early,
to sit up late,to eat the bread of sorrows;
for so he giveth his beloved sleep.'
Psalm 127:2

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

It's amazing how Science attempts to take ALL the credit for a God-given fact.

When I read these words, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus," Philippians 4:19, it always surprises me to realize, once again, how very simple ALL our needs really are: rest, food, shelter, clothing, someone to love, someone to be loved by,Êand our God to worship ... basic needs that He, our God, placed within each one us, even before He formed us in our mother's womb. What a Loving God. Sleep seems to be the key.

The scripture, above, goes beyond our daily living requirements, however. It is much deeper. The first thing I notice is the word "need", which works both singular AND plural. Could it be that such a simple need could change lives, as we live them on this earth? What if we were ALL able to receive that which has already been provided?

First, we know that sleep is a basic, God given, need. Second we see that all He provides is "according to his riches". And third, but most important, is that, as Christians, all we have and need isÊin Christ Jesus day OR night, sunshine or darkness.

From the sun coming up to the sun going down, may you find rest and peace which can only come in Jesus; 'til the sun comes up, again.

But my God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

© 2004 by Roberta Lee Wilcox

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