«When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet» (Proverbs 3:24).
The third chapter of Proverbs lists several benefits of wisdom: sweet sleep, a long, satisfying life, a good reputation, success, health, vitality, riches, honor, pleasure, peace, and protection.
Sleep deprivation is quite common as we get older. If you are concerned because you can’t sleep, it may be because worry is keeping you awake. Have a plan in mind for the times you can’t fall asleep. Someone once said, «Instead of counting sheep, talk to the Shepherd.» Pray, praise God, thank Him, review any faults you may have committed during the day, confess them, intercede, and you will overcome sleeplessness. Repeat God’s promises, songs, or biblical names in alphabetical order; practice deep breathing, keep a diary of blessings. If it’s encouraging, know that many of the meditations in this devotional were the product of insomnia.
«Full, deep inspirations of pure air, which fill the lungs with oxygen, purify the blood. They impart to it a bright color and send it, a life-giving current, to every part of the body. A good respiration soothes the nerves; it stimulates the appetite and renders digestion more perfect; and it induces sound, refreshing sleep.»—The Ministry of Healing, ch. 20, p. 272.
«He who is obedient to the counsel of the Lord can lie down in full awareness of the possibilities of danger and death, yet drift off like a weary child into quiet and untroubled sleep.»—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 958. There is no better pillow than an easy conscience. Review your habits and your bedtime routine. Stimulating beverages alter the nervous system; eating too much, a lack of exercise, watching television, and using the computer or mobile phone too late in the evening also contribute to insomnia. «Tea and coffee do not nourish the system…. The continued use of these nerve irritants is followed by headache, wakefulness, palpitation of the heart, indigestion, trembling, and many other evils; for they wear away the life forces.»—The Ministry of Healing, ch. 26, 326.
Correct hours of sleep and rest have great benefits. «Sleep, nature’s sweet restorer, invigorates the weary body and prepares it for the next day’s duties.”- The Adventist Home, ch. 49, 289.
If you have not memorized any promises to use during your hours of insomnia, I encourage you to take a look at these: «I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me» (Psalm 3:5). «I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety» (Psalm 4:8).
Today, make a plan for the next time you experience insomnia.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
