I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. Psalm 3:5.
This season of our lives brings discussions about complex sleep issues and rest among our friends. Do you remember when pulling an “all-nighter” for a major exam or work project was common? Not too long ago, sleep was often regarded as a luxury that could be sacrificed for productivity. Some even boasted about their ability to function on just a few hours of sleep each night. However, times have changed, and our attitudes toward sleep have shifted. This is one area where science finally aligns with the truth in the scriptures. God promises us peace and rest if we rely on Him. “In peace, I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). The fact that God makes this promise numerous times throughout the scriptures indicates its importance for our health and well-being, both physically and spiritually. Johns Hopkins Medicine states that lack of sleep is a health issue that deserves attention, as it can affect our mood, memory, and overall health in far-reaching and surprising ways. They further noted, “Lack of sleep and proper rest can also affect our judgment, so we don’t notice its effects.” Wow! Not only can it increase the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer, depression, and anxiety, but we might not even be aware of it. Sleep and rest are essential weapons against Satan. It is no wonder he tries his hardest to steal them from us.
Where is our focus when we are sick and unable to serve the Lord physically? When we feel worried, depressed, and anxious, where is our focus when our minds are filled with fear and doubt? When we are weary, where is our focus as our energy wanes? Is our focus on the Lord, or on the struggles that arise from a lack of sleep and rest? Satan would love nothing more than for our focus to be on those side effects rather than on the Lord. John warns us that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). And what better way to harm us than through disease and to ruin our lives and our families’ lives through mental and spiritual decline by robbing us of sleep? It seems almost ridiculous that Satan would use something as simple as a good night’s rest to attack us, but he does. We must be vigilant and on guard; otherwise, as Johns Hopkins warns, we may not even notice. More importantly, the Bible instructs us to “be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8-9).
Satan desires nothing more than for us to feel tired, worn out, and in poor health. He can quietly achieve his goal simply by leading us into patterns that deprive us of sleep and rest. His tactics are numerous and subtle, tailored specifically for us. Conflict with family or friends, job stress, and financial issues can all keep us awake at night. Social media, endless scrolling, and TV can steal precious hours of rest, and here’s the sneaky part of that behavior pattern: We stay up too late watching the next reel or episode night after night, leaving us exhausted. It’s bad enough when our faces go unwashed and teeth go unbrushed, but when we finally climb into bed and attempt evening prayers, we often fall asleep after simply saying, “Dear Lord!” Satan not only robs us of our sleep but also steals our prayers because we are too tired to engage in them. Mission accomplished. Prayer bypassed and exhausted. May we remain vigilant and protect our sleep and rest, for they are vital weapons against the one who seeks to devour us. And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.