If you didn’t read last’s week Part 1, please do because it lays the groundwork for our study this week. Also, I think you will enjoy my personal struggle to get a good night’s sleep and the adventure with my cat, Herbie.

Let’s continue now by learning from Jesus’ example regarding rest.

Our Lord Jesus took on the skin of humanity and lived His life here on this Earth for us. He knows what it is like to be human. He knew when to act and when to trust, what to give His attention to and what to release to the Father’s hands. This is a key that we must all learn in order to wake up refreshed and revived for each new day. Gaining wisdom in this area will help you to do God’s will and avoid burnout.

No one was busier or had more purpose than Jesus… and yet He needed rest– just as you and I do. He had a limited amount of time to accomplish His life’s goals – to reveal the Father, to live a perfect life, fulfill all the requirements of the laws, to disciple, experience humanity, overcome evil and reconcile us to the Father by dying in our place for our sins. And so much more! Wow!

When Jesus ministered He was giving out of what He heard or saw the Father in Heaven doing or saying. Yet, Jesus took time to sleep and recover from His daily schedule. When He rested, He was in total peace. Jesus understood the balance; He had total trust in the Father and that’s why He accomplished so much in just a few years.

When we’re rested our thoughts are clearer and we are able to make better decisions. A rested person is more confident, accomplishes more in less time and physically has more energy. Before going to sleep each night, spend some time talking to the Lord. Ask the Lord to cleanse and forgive you of any sins or mistakes of that day. (I John 1:9) Forgive everyone and then your conscience will be clear. Remember to cast your cares upon the Lord. This will greatly benefit your well-being and prepare you to experience the Lord’s sweet sleep.

Years ago, Vince Lombardi (best known as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers during the 1960’s) always said, “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” Personally I can affirm this – when I’m exhausted I truly don’t feel as bold or confident and I become “edgy”. I have learned to repent and ask God for forgiveness for breaking natural laws of rest and lean upon Him to get me through that particular time. He is always faithful!

Many scriptures promise us rest and the benefits of it.

Psalm 3:5 “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.”

Proverbs 3:24  “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”

Psalm 121:3  “It is vain for you to rise up early, to set up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”

Psalm 121:3  “He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber.”

Psalm 4:8  “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord only makest me dwell in safety.”

Philippians 4:6,7  “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

I Peter 5:7  “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Psalm 37:7 “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him…” When Jesus won the victory at Calvary and was resurrected, He defeated the devil and won the victory over evil. In turn, Jesus gave us authority in His name over the enemy so that we could experience a victorious life.

Psalm 16:9 “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.“

I Chronicles 22:18  “Is not the Lord your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side?….”

Joshua 1:13 –“Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, The Lord your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.”

Matthew 11:28-29 –“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NKJV)

Our Lord Jesus is the best example and if He, the perfect Son of God, needed rest then we need to give ourselves permission to rest. So, Dear Friends, it’s time to go to bed with a clear conscience. Cast your cares upon the Lord, believe His Word and fall into the arms of Jesus for a peaceful sleep. Claim the promises of God regarding sleep. Take authority over harassing spirits that may be tormenting you in this area. Pray over your bedroom and declare God’s promises!

Let’s enter into the rest that God has for His people – a confident assurance that He is watching over us. Receive the promise of a good night’s sleep exemplified by our Lord. And don’t forget the example of an old cat! (Read Part 1 of “Good Night”) Just as Herbie learned a new bed-time routine surely you can and will too! I’m praying for you!

GOOD NIGHT – TIME TO GO TO BED! LOVE YOU!