Biblical Melatonin: The Secret for Sweet Sleep

There have been several times when I'm lying next to my husband at night talking one minute, and then the next minute hear him snoring. It is so annoying! Because first of all, were you even listening?? and second, how can you do that?? It usually takes me at least an hour to fall asleep (unless there's a movie on). My brain seems to go into overdrive at night--reflecting on the day, things that I should have or should not have said or done, what I am planning to do tomorrow, how my family is doing. I even think about plans years from now. Before I know it, there's only a few hours before I have to wake up and get ready to start a new day.

As I prayed about this, I read Proverbs 3:21-24. It reads, "my son, do not lose sight of these--keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. They you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet". According to this scripture, wisdom and discretion are the key to sweet sleep. So, how do we get them?

Wisdom & Discretion

First, let's talk about what wisdom is. We may be familiar with the parable of the man who built his house on the rock and on the sand. Even if you aren't familiar with this passage, I bet you can guess which house withstood the harsh rain and wind. Matthew 7:24 says that "everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." I believe that wisdom is the God given gift to use His teachings as the foundation for how we live. A wise woman is one whose life reflects God.

So next is how we get wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 tells us the first step in gaining wisdom is the "fear of the Lord". The word "fear" in this scripture means "reverence". Reverence is the response we should have when we encounter and recognize God for who He truly is. We give reverence to God because of His forgiveness (Psalm 130:4). We give reverence to God because of His power ( like in Joshua 3:23-24). We give reverence to God because of his faithfulness and lovingkindness (like in1 Samuel 12:24). I could go on. When we fear the Lord, we see how great He is and how insignificant we are. Once we are humble before the Lord, all we need to do is ask for wisdom. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

With wisdom comes discernment. Wisdom in Proverbs 8:12 says, "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion." When you have discernment you can carefully assess several decisions and choose the right one. Did you know we make about 35,000 decisions a day? What job should I take? How should I be using my money? How should I be spending my time? Some of us not only make decisions for ourselves, but decisions for our family or have to make decisions for others in our careers. It is a relief to know that God will give me the ability to make the correct decision just by asking. I don't have to stay up worrying about anything.

You know those movies where the characters have to survive through the night and they have to take shifts to keep watch? I truly never understood how any of them could sleep even if they had someone "keeping watch". Because what happens if something happens to that person and I'm just sleep??

But as David was running for his life from his son, he said in Psalm 3:5, "I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me". A multitude of people were trying to kill him y'all. And he was able to lay down and sleep. David feared the Lord, so he had the wisdom to know that everything was taken care of. I am assuming that you aren't being chased by thousands of enemies literally, but we do have an enemy who is constantly seeking ways to destroy us.

Sis,

The first step is fearing God. He is such a holy, loving, caring and magnificent God. We can not do anything without Him. When we believe that we can give up the control we are trying to have. Whatever situation or decision is keeping you up at night, have the wisdom to give it to God. The Lord is watching over you too.