During our series "Redeeming Your Time" we talked about the importance of "Embracing Productive Rest". As we looked to statistics, science, and scripture we discovered that a healthy rhythm of 7-9 hours of sleep a night is not just a good idea, but is literally woven into the fabric of creation. We were created to sleep and consistent regular sleep is one of the msot important things we can put into practice for the health of our bodies and our souls. D.A. Carson, the theologian and co-founder of The Gospel Coalition, once put it this way . . .
“You are morally obligated to try to get the sleep you need. Sometimes the godliest thing you can do in the universe is get a good night’s sleep—not pray all night, but sleep.” -D.A. Carson
Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and author of "Why We Sleep: Unlocking The Power of Sleep and Dreams" said it this way . . .
“sleep is infinitely more complex, profoundly more interesting, and strikingly health-relevant. We sleep for a rich litany of functions, plural—an abundant constellation of nighttime benefits that service both our brains and our bodies. There does not seem to be one major organ within the body, or process within the brain, that isn’t optimally enhanced by sleep (and detrimentally impaired when we don’t get enough).” - Matthew Walke, PHD
And in scripture we find this . . .
If you do take the garment of your neighbor in pledge, you must return it to him by the time the sun goes down, for it is his only covering – it is his garment for his body. What else can he sleep in? And when he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am gracious.’ Exodus 22:26-27 NET
'I rested and slept; I awoke, for the Lord protects me.'
Psalms 3:5 NET
'I will lie down and sleep peacefully, for you, Lord , make me safe and secure.'
Psalms 4:8 NET
'It is vain for you to rise early, come home late, and work so hard for your food. Yes, he can provide for those whom he loves even when they sleep.'
Psalms 127:2 NET
'Now we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also we believe that God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep as Christians. '
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NET
In these scriptures, as well as many others like it, we find that not only does God value sleep but that when we sleep we ultimatley do two important things:
WHEN WE SLEEP WE DISPLAY OUR TRUST IN GOD
WHEN WE SLEEP WE DECLARE VICTORY OVER DEATH
In short, we find sleep is a core spiritual discipline to the way of Jesus and we can't encourage enough that you prioritize your sleep. To find out more check out Brandon's message on "Why We Sleep" by clicking below. And if you expereince trouble sleeping we recommend you check out the 12 Steps to Healthy Sleep below from Matthew Walker's best selling book "Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams."
God bless, and may you lie down and sleep peacefully, knowing our Lord will keep you safe and secure.
