I have a tendency to be a night owl. I like being able to either get things done or relax after the kids are in bed. But staying up too late causes me to have a hard time waking up in the morning and to drag throughout the day. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of wanting to stay up and clean or tackle a pile of laundry. The desire to accomplish things and be productive is good, but it shouldn’t always happen at the expense of getting the rest that my body needs. Much worse, however, is when fear of missing out causes me to lay awake in bed scrolling through my phone even though I’m sleepy. The book of Psalms speaks to the vanity of anxiously staying awake.
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Psalm 127:1-2 (ESV)
I have found that the times that I do choose to go to bed early, I actually have more energy during the day to accomplish things. Sleep is an amazing gift that God created for our bodies to rest and recharge. It is foolish for me deprive myself of this blessing.
Thank you granting me the blessing of sleep, God. Forgive me for anxiously doing things in my own strength. Help me to trust You and to embrace the rest that I need.