Please tell me I’m not the only one

by Marea Smith

My husband and I have an agreement. No matter how early I wake up I will not get out of bed until 4:00am. I know. It’s ridiculous that we had to spell that out.

Part of the problem is that I go to sleep early. When I finally stop working and sit down after dinner, I’m asleep. It’s really not a question of “if” but “where” I will crash.

Insomnia. Falling asleep is not my problem. And I sleep hard for several hours. But when I wake up at 2:00, I have a hard time going back to sleep.

My mind starts at a saunter around the basics, “What time is it? What was that noise? Did someone remember to lock the doors?”

She (my mind) moves to a jog with, “What should I make for dinner? Was that a cough? Who’s coughing? When did that start?”
She picks up the pace with, “What did she mean when she said … ? How much would we save if we upped the deductible to $1000? That’s a funny bump, is that new?”

Seriously. Please tell me I’m not the only one.

Ergo our plan for my middle of the night marathon.

I stay in bed. I cuddle up and begin to pray.

First, I shut her (my mind) down before she really gets rolling, taking captive every thought and “making it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

Then I give “all my cares and worries to Jesus.” 1 Peter 5:7
And if I know I’m awake for the long haul (until the clock strikes 3:59 and I can officially start my day) I very intentionally turn my thoughts to things that are “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.” Philippians 4:8
It sounds something like this, “Satan, you have been defeated. You have no place here. I refuse to lose another minute of peace and joy. I have been redeemed and am whole and pure by the blood of Jesus Christ. Lord Almighty, help me focus on You alone. You see the ins and outs of today and my tomorrows. Your plan for my life and the lives of those I care for is good and right and true. I trust You.”
And instead of counting sheep, I count my blessings.

When I name my blessings, one by one, and turn my focus to thanksgiving, perspective settles in and The Lord brings peace and comfort.

May today be filled with His very best my friends