Falling Asleep On God
Have you ever fallen asleep on God? It's a complete accident. We set out with the best intentions to designate a certain amount of time to reading His Word and spending time in prayer. And before we know it we are waking up from a quick nap or a deep sleep! And then the guilt rolls over us. I can hear Jesus' words to Peter in Matthew 26:40-41 (NLT), “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
There are times that we must be vigilant in prayer. Jesus told us to keep watching and praying. And there is so much joy in being in His presence! And yet, there are times we just can't seem to stay awake. You have so much on your plate. It seems every minute of your schedule has a name. People depend on you. Your people need you to go and do and be present for every little thing and especially the big things!
So exhausted you are that when you carve out a few minutes to sit with God and think about His promises and breathe a prayer or two...you just slip into sleep mode. Sigh.
May I share a word picture that someone recently shared with me that sent every guilty feeling I've ever felt about that scenario... running right out of my mind? Have you ever held a child in your arms and enjoyed conversation for a bit? Maybe you were reading a book to them or talking with them about their day? And they fell asleep in your arms. Did you get angry with them for falling asleep? or did you take in their gentle breathing and state of repose as precious and endearing?! Maybe you held them even closer, moved that stray hair away from their eyes and stroked your finger down the side of their sweet little chubby cheek to their chin.
Psalm 127:2 is a precious Word of hope for us. "It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones." I can't imagine a better way to receive rest from the One who loves us most.
Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog
