Sleeping # 2

Sleeping # 2

Sometimes the Lord withholds sleep that He may give us "songs in the night" (Job 35:10); at others, that we may "meditate on Him in the night watches" (Psalm 63:6); at others, to bring sin to remembrance, that it may be confessed unto Him. The next time the reader suffers from sleeplessness, let him call to mind that awful night when the Saviour was hounded from court to court and denied any rest.

Conversely, we are told that God "gives his beloved sleep" (Psalm 127:2). Most blessed is that. It is not that He "sends" it as one from a distance, but that He Himself gives sleep - personally bringing and graciously laying it upon our eyes. That sleep is a fitting emblem of the spiritual rest which He bestows upon the righteous.

But let us look at the verse as a whole: "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows - for so He gives His beloved sleep." There appears to be a contrast drawn. All the industry of the natural man avails him nothing without the blessing of God - sorrow is then his portion. But the godly man, though diligent in business, is enabled confidently to commit all his affairs unto the Lord, and close his eyes at night with a mind free of care. "So He gives His beloved sleep," as He did Peter, on the eve of his probable execution, as he lay in prison chained between two soldiers - sleeping so sweetly and soundly, that an angel's stroke was needed to arouse him (Acts 12:6-7)!

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep - for you, Lord, alone, make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8). We are never more helpless and unable to protect ourselves, than when wrapped in slumber. We are lost to all apprehensions of danger, and lie exposed to the violence of storms, the perils of fire, the menace of robbers, and the assaults of the evil one. At that time, we have no concern for ourselves, being incapable of thinking, much more so of providing for our safety. But the Lord is our Protector, equally during the hours of darkness, as of the light. The One who provided for me when I was awake, watches over my body when I am asleep. I am under the care of Him who "shall neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4). Though I am alone, I am not alone; and therefore it is my privilege to lie down in His loving arms, peacefully assured that I shall be supported and secured by His right hand. But our comfortable beds should cause us to contrast Him who often had no other couch than the cold mountain side (John 7:53; 8:2).

Our preservation during the hours of sleep, is a notable instance of God's concern for our welfare. What comforting assurance! It is a word to lay hold of by faith, and rest on. If I trustfully give myself in charge to my Father - there is nothing to fear. When we lie down in the arms of the "faithful Creator" (1 Peter 4:19) and covenant God - fear is removed and sleep is sweet. "No pillow so soft as a divine promise, no coverlet so warm as an assured interest in Christ!

While one would scarcely be dogmatic on the point, yet it appears to us, that Scripture teaches that sleep is not only designed for the refreshing of our bodies but is also a time for the instructing of our minds. Did not David state, "my thoughts also instruct me in the night seasons" (Psalm 16:7)? Our fathers, (so much wiser in many respects than their sons) when called upon to make some important decision, were accustomed to say, "I will sleep on it and Lord willing, let you know tomorrow," having in mind something more than a prayerful deliberation of the same. This writer can testify from repeated experience that "when deep sleep falls upon men," the Lord "opens" the spiritual 'ears" and eyes, and "seals their instruction" (Job 33:15-16).

In closing, a word of warning: While sleep is both necessary and desirable - for without it we could neither go to our work nor enjoy the blessings of providence - yet it can be sinfully perverted. Therefore we are enjoined, "Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty" (Prov. 20:13). Alas, what creatures we are - liable to abuse every gift God bestows! May His grace preserve us from giving Him occasion to say, "How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? (Prov. 6:9). Slothfulness must not be regarded as an infirmity, but as a sin which affects the whole body, and if not watched, grows upon us with unperceived power!

~A. W. Pink~

(The End)