Rest Content - Proverbs 19.23
You want to sleep. You can’t sleep. You toss and turn and have seemingly tried everything. While insomnia is a medical condition and one, which can I help treat, have you ever considered that there may be something more going on? Something deeper in your heart, mind or even spirit?
In different seasons of my life I have suffered from insomnia. I wake up at 2 or 3 or 4 am, I check the clock and am filled with dread, knowing that going back to sleep may be difficult if not impossible. In fact, I come from a family of insomniacs. I have a child that struggles with insomnia at times. So there is, no doubt, a medical and genetic element to it.
Looking back over those times, however - and speaking only for myself - I do believe that they were times when my life was most tumultuous or wrought with fear and anxiety. Look at this verse in Proverbs:
“The fear of the Lord leads to life; Then one rests content untouched by trouble.” Proverbs 19.23
It’s important to know that this isn’t a promise, but more like a principle. It’s not saying that those who fear God will not have hard times, won’t struggle, won’t be tempted to fear and won’t struggle with medical sleep disorders. But perhaps ask yourself, “Do I really understand the peace that knowing Jesus brings?”
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27