Saturday, October 6, 2012

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep -- plus Winner of Book Give-Away

Beautiful sunset courtesy of Eileen DeCamp


"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet," Proverbs 3:24 (NIV).

 
          Friends and colleagues often comment about their inability to sleep well.  I am grateful to God that I sleep well now.  But I remember times when I didn't.  One time in particular comes to mind.

          When I was nineteen years old, I got married and within the week moved 3000 miles away from home.  I knew no one in this new place.  In addition, my husband's job took him away from home regularly for one to six weeks at a time.  Loneliness made the fears loom large at night.  Every little bump and creak brought imaged horrors that stole my sleep.
 
           One day as I read the Bible, I came across Psalm 4:8.  It became a companion and a promise of God's abiding care.  I reasoned with myself before my nightly prayers.  While I sleep, God is awake; so why not allow myself to rest in His arms and let Him take care of my world while I sleep.  My fears would subside.  Sleep was sweet.
 
           Today, Psalm 4:8 is literally written on my bedroom wall.
 
 
           My heart goes out to the many people who experience insomnia for whatever reasons. I hope these Scriptures minister peace to you as they did for me and offer you sweet sleep. 
 
Photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques Collage of Life


        Congratulations to Joy Hannabass who will be receiving a copy of Unconditional by Eva Marie Everson.  I'm very pleased so many of you visited the blog and left comments.  Thank you so much for supporting my writing by visiting and leaving comments. Please visit often. Prayers and blessings to all of you who read these words.
 


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9 comments:

  1. Becky JacobyOctober 6, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    Hi,Rose,

    Psalm 4:8 is a beautiful prayer and so appropriate for your bedroom wall. I know I couldn't sleep well without ending my day with prayer.

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    1. Rose Chandler JohnsonOctober 6, 2012 at 11:45 AM

      Thank you for visiting and commenting Becky. Blessings to you. He gives His beloved sleep.

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  2. Janet McPhersonOctober 6, 2012 at 11:20 AM

    Wonderful post, Rose. I'm glad that you are sleeping well these days, despite the stress in your life.

    Here are two more Scriptures on sleep:
    In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Psalm 127:2)
    He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)

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    1. Rose Chandler JohnsonOctober 6, 2012 at 11:46 AM

      Only because of Him. I love the verses you've shared. Thank you so much, Janet. Always. . .

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  3. Elaine Marie CooperOctober 6, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    What a soothing post, Rose, with comforting reminders of God's loving, watchful care over us. Thanks!

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  4. AnonymousOctober 7, 2012 at 11:10 AM

    Thanks Rose!

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  5. Grace S. JohnsonOctober 7, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    Rose, thank you for this:

    "While I sleep, God is awake; so why not allow myself to rest in His arms and let Him take care of my world while I sleep."

    I needed this tonight as I'm fretting over things I need to let go of and let God take care of.

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  6. Rose Chandler JohnsonOctober 8, 2012 at 2:18 AM

    God bless you Grace. I hope you slept well. When you think about it, can you imagine Jesus tossing in his bed? HE slept while the boat tossed. :-) Insomnia is a problem for us all at times. Sweet sleep is a real blessing. Thinking of you fondly, my friend.

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  7. Grace S. JohnsonNovember 8, 2012 at 5:11 PM

    Thank you Rose! I didn't see this comment before.
    I'm going back and catching up on your devos...love the photos as well.

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