"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.... I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."  Psalm 3:5, 4:8

Been having a hard time sleeping.  It's going on several years now. Been struggling to sleep throughout the night. They say it's age. Some call it restlessness. I say it's plain old frustrating. I'm in my PJ's and in bed by 9:00 but it's about another 3 hours before I close my eyes. Not sure why. It's not like I'm not tired because I know I am. And it's not like I'm going to miss much, right? Some people call it FOMO, fear of missing out. Ever hear of it? My daughter told me about it. It's definitely a thing on social media. Like when people post about all that they are doing and the fun they're having (I know I'm guilty of it), but you're the one sitting on your couch scrolling; wondering why you're not having as much fun. Seems kind of silly, but you can actually begin to feel like your life is lacking. It's crazy what the mind will conclude based on a momentary snap of a picture! 

So we buy into the idea that we are needing to do more and experience more in order to feel like our lives are worthy. So many people live life thinking they might miss something. So they strive more, and push for more, and want more. They take pride in their restlessness like it's something to be proud of. And slowing down is not even a thought to consider. Resting is looked down on. Might even mean you're just lazy. And you're missing out on life. Simply because we have created this picture that claims life is most meaningful when we are going and going, doing and doing. 

But at then end of the day, where do we go for rest? At the end of our day's toil, when can we close our eyes and enjoy some sleep? Enjoy sleep.... Hmm, there's a thought! Ever wonder about the purpose for sleep? I mean eventually we all get sleepy. And eventually our bodies make us aware of our need for rest. But how much do we really value a good night of sleep and rest? Or are we just afraid of letting go of the the very things that keep us up at night?

There is a famous quote by Saint Augustine that I really like.  It states, "Our hearts are restless until they find rest in you." Man, if that is not the truth! I can only speak for myself, but restlessness has become a thing that I struggle with a lot. And even though my body is tired and my eyes are heavy, I find it hard to rest. If I'm honest, I know that is has more to do with my mental, emotional, and even moreso spiritual need for rest. You see I'm in "the waiting".  I'm in the season of expectation and waiting on God. And to be honest, it doesn't always feel good to me. Most of the time, I get impatient and even frustrated. I ask myself "why?" Then I turn to God and ask Him too. My heart feels restless. 

And still His word says, "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.... I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

And I'm convicted. I remember that all in all, God prefers my trust in Him over any other kind of 'sacrifice'. He longs for me to trust Him. It's like He's calling me to Him. To sit on His lap, let Him caress my hair and speak softly the words of a lullaby that comes straight from His heart.  

Can you picture it?

"I will sustain you. I will keep you safe. You can trust me. Now close your eyes and rest."

Can you hear it?

If you are anything like me, I hope this brings you a word of assurance tonight. As you conclude your day's toils, may you quiet your spirit and mind long enough to hear His lullaby. And may we both finally close our eyes, surrender and let go of all we are worked up about, all that makes us feel restless, and may we fully trust Him enough to rest. 

Good night sweet friend.

Some Men

Matthew 9:2 tells a story about "some men" that brought a paralyzed man to Jesus so that he could be healed. It goes something like this, "Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, 'Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."

At first glance, one might think the main point of the story is that Jesus answers prayers and forgives sins. You might even see the importance of having faith as the main topic. And you might assume that the main character is the paralyzed man. However, when I read over this short scripture the other day, what immediately jumped out at me were the first two words, "some men." For me, the "some men" are the protagonists of this story. To me, they play a major role, and they are, dare I say, the crucial element to the success of the story. It was their faith and actions that made way for the miracle that Jesus would perform for the crippled man.

You see, the man who ultimately met Jesus and whose life was changed forever was  paralyzed; not able to move. He was mostly helpless. Therefore, on his own, he could not get the help he needed. But "some men" came through for him. Some men recognized his need.  And some men, in essence, did the leg work that he couldn't do on his own.  

As I read it, I found myself wanting to know who those men were. I knew that Jesus would heal the man. I knew that He'd even forgive him of his sins.  But what about those people who brought the man to Jesus. Who were they? Were they his friends? Were they neighbors or passers-by? Did they actually know the man personally, or were they just tired of seeing him everyday as they passed by him? Did they bring him to Jesus out of pity, disgust, or was it out of genuine love?  I guess we may never truly know that part. All we know is that those men had enough faith to bring a crippled man to the one who would provide him with everlasting change and healing.

And still my thoughts go a bit further, and I can actually pinpoint these "men" as if I knew them personally in my own life. I can't help but think that those men are my very present day friends. Those men represent the people in my life that take me before the throne of God in prayer every day. And not just every day this week, or whenever I ask for prayer.  It is more like consistent prayers that have been spoken on my behalf throughout all the years they've known me. 

Those men are my loved ones that spend time with me when I'm in need of conversation and laughter. Those men are the acquaintances I've made along the years that still remember my name when they speak to God. They speak to God about me and about my needs. They are the neighbors that call to check up on me from time to time to make sure I'm okay. They are my children who trust God to take care of me when I'm on my own. They are my parents who still send letters in the mail with dollar bills folded and wrapped up in foil so that I can get myself a special treat. They are co-workers, relatives, and church friends. They might even be representing you who are reading this right now. So thank you.

Thank  you because I, too, was like that paralyzed man. In fact, I was paralyzed. Maybe not physically speaking; but mentally and emotionally, I hit a wall and I couldn't move.  It left me paralyzed. And the thoughts were overwhelming spiraling out of control, and the last thing I could do well was ask God for help, though I knew He could. And so it was that, "some men" took me before the Lord in prayer, and they asked Him to heal me. They interceded on my behalf and even pleaded with Him to help me, when I couldn't get the words out myself.

And just like Jesus saved and healed the lame man, God saved and healed me. God heard the prayers of those who cared enough for me, and little by little, He restored me. And, I am so thankful!  I'm thankful for healing and restoration in God. I'm thankful for quiet times with Him and soft prayers that He hears because He is so close. 

Furthermore, I am forever thankful for those of you who played the major role of taking me before Him when I couldn't move. I am forever grateful, for you were the crucial element to the success to my story. Thank you!