Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Sleepless Nights

Doesn't it annoy you when you wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep? It is to me! It generally occurs on Saturday night, when I'm trying to get a good sleep before waking up at 5:00 on Sunday morning, or it happens when I have something weighing on my mind. Sometimes it happens for no apparent reason-- and I just can't get back to sleep!

During the ladies' prayer time at church a couple weeks ago, one lady shared the following remedy for sleepless nights:

Instead of thinking about how you need to go to sleep or about the things that went on yesterday, start reciting Bible verses! Start at the beginning of the alphabet and recite a verse that begins with that letter, and then go on through the whole alphabet!

I have already tried this a couple times and it is definitely a superb way to spend my sleepless moments! Here is an example:

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
and so on :-)

I have found it is an excellent way to calm your soul. It is such a joy to recall verses of comfort and encouragement, and of the character of our God, as it draws us closer to Him. To use the words of the lady who shared this idea: This way, a time of frustration and distress can turn into a beautiful and comforting time of worshipping the Lord.

"My mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches." (Psalm 63:5b-6)

3 comments:

Amanda said...

I always tend to daydream when I wake up in the middle of the night; but reciting verses is a much better way to get back to sleep!

Anonymous said...

That is a very good idea...thanks, Melanie!

Leah said...

O Melanie! That is so amazing! I love it. It will also help me to sharpen my mind and heart on the things of Christ. Thank you so much for posting and for encouraging me in the ways of the Lord. Bless your heart! :)