Matthew 11:28-29

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your  souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)

Many nights I've had trouble sleeping. Even when I'm exhausted and desperate for sleep. When I can't sleep at night, I start tossing and turning, and there's nothing worse than looking at the clock and seeing the hours roll by. Then I start worrying about how I'm going to feel the next day without having had enough sleep. But this isn't how Jesus means for us to live. He longs to give us rest. Jesus doesn't want us to worry. He wants us to talk to Him about our worries. When we pray, we transfer our doubts and fears and worries to the One who can take care of them. Jesus is our endless source of peace and strength.

We need rest physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Sleep deprivation can lead to various problems. Psalm 4r:8 (NIV) encourages us, saying, "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." Jesus offers us hope, encouragement, peace and safety if we reach out to Him and depend on Him. Jesus will give us complete rest for our bodies, minds, and souls, Psalms 23:1-2 (KJV) reminds us that, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."

Now when I lie down each night, I pray. Sometimes I am so relaxed when talking to Jesus I fall asleep. But what better way to fall asleep that talking to the One who loves you?

-Katie Minter Jones-

Faith Step:  Pray when you climb into bed tonight, giving Jesus your burdens. he will give you peace and rest.