March 16, 2020

At Night

Devotion for the Week...

Normally I fall asleep pretty easily once I go to bed. Occasionally, though, I'll have some quilting project possibilities on my mind and they'll keep swirling around, so I lie there awake and planning until well past when I should be asleep. Or sometimes I'm worried about something and that keeps me awake, thinking about what might happen or what could be done to fix a problem.

These days, I imagine there are a lot of people who lie awake at night worrying. They could be worried about their own health, the health of someone they love or if their job will be impacted by the changes brought about the coronavirus. They might also be worried about how they'll occupy their kids for weeks on end while they stay home and wait to see what happens next. There are plenty of things to worry about, these days.

It was those nighttime worries that popped into my head when I read Psalm 63 last week. Psalm 63 was written by David during his time in the wilderness when he was hiding from King Saul, who was jealous and wanted to kill him. Obviously, David had his own share of things he could lie awake at night worrying about, but instead he wrote in verse 6, "I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night."

That takes discipline, I think, or conscious thought at the very least. It's natural to worry when life isn't going the way we want it to go. It natural to lie awake and think about our problems or the problems of the world at large. It seems less natural to push those concerns away and focus instead on God. The latter is infinitely more helpful, though.

Me lying awake and worrying accomplishes nothing (lying awake and planning quilting projects accomplishes only slightly more, lol). All I get for my effort is tired and cranky. Jesus spoke about the futility of worry, asking, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?" (Luke 12:25, 26).
Can't sleep? Focus on God and not your worries |
Background quilt is New Life
If we're awake and can't sleep, changing our thoughts to focus on Him will remind us that He is in control. As David wrote, "Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely" (vv. 7, 8). It won't always be easy, and we'll probably have to focus our thoughts multiple times even in just one night, but the effort will be worth it.

As a bonus, focusing on God might even help us fall asleep faster, which would definitely help ward off the tired and cranky effects the next day.


  1. If I can't get to sleep or I wake up during the night and can't get back to sleep, I start praying. I go through my list of people needing prayers. Helps me get a restful sleep. Have a great week!

  2. I often pray too when I can't sleep - the problem is, I often fall asleep before I get beyond the first 2 or 3 people on my list!
    There's a Bible verse (Ps. 127:2) that talks about God giving His beloved sleep, and I always thought that, instead of feeling guilty for falling asleep during prayer, I should be grateful that God blessed me with the sleep I needed.

  3. Such honest thoughts and reflections. Since the coronavirus has entered our lives, several quilters have suggested reading (and resting) in Psalm 91. Comforting words. Actually, I’m finding many Bible versus that offer assurances in these bewildering days. I know I am in fortunate circumstances, being retired as I am, and therefore at ease to withdraw/ stay at home. It’s families like yours, and my kids with school-aged children, who I am concerned for. How will everyone hold up for weeks? My prayers are with our country’s leaders, doctors who are guiding us through the pandemic, and all medical personnel and caregivers. Such a burdensome time for them. Talk about sleepless! I wonder about the long term ramifications of this experience, not one with our economy, but with everyone’s psyche. Bless you fir turning more to God with earnest prayers. He’s listening and will keep us in the shelter of His wings.

  4. Thank you for your thoughtful words and gentle reminder to focus our thoughts on Him - and you are so right, that does require conscious effort!

