Awake

Why must the mind race when the body wants to rest? Has this ever happened to you? I’ve gone through periods of times when I just couldn’t shut it off. And I wonder, why?

Sometimes I could tell you specifically what was troubling my mind. Was it an illness, a sin, a misfortune? Was it a trouble within or brought from a force from without?

Sometimes I have no idea. That is almost more troubling then knowing specifically. Why is my mind racing on these things?

I lay my head down, close my eyes and start counting…… 99… 98…97…96…95 and so on. Sometimes that works and I pray I stay at rest. But then others times…… I count down to 1 and have to start all over.

Is He trying to tell me something? Am I not trusting and depending on Him enough? Speak louder Lord, help me trust and show me the promises that will make my dependence strong.

One of the best known scriptures that I would turn to for rest and trust is….

Matthew 11:28-30  (MEV)

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

I can read this and I totally believe each word but my mind still races. Even in times when my soul is a rest my mind wants to take over. Satan is running rampant on my mind. He is entangling all my thoughts and using them to control my body. “If I can make her body weary then she will be more susceptible to my control”, he says. How do I fight him? I turn to Jesus and I allow Jesus to do my fighting for me.

So what scripture does Jesus have to help me? What is He showing me through this night of awake?

Psalm 4:8  (MEV)

I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  for You, Lord, make me dwell safely and securely.

Isaiah 26:3  (MEV)

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Psalm 23  (MEV)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Philippians 4:6-7 (MEV)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

So I read and I rest in Him. My mind finds a place of peace and my soul a place of refreshment. As long as I am in His word then my mind is full of His promises and His love and there is no room in there for anything else.

And know I lay down. I find my mind asleep at last.

Thank you Lord!