Meditation: peace and sleep
Recognising that we need to be careful what thoughts we take to bed (last post), we need to look at one more practical step before we can be assured of some really beautiful sleep, the way God intends for us.
Basically we need to chuck out worry, anxiety and anger from our minds!
There are stacks of verses in the Bible that deal with how worry, anxiety and anger can affect our insides physically as well as spiritually. Rather than do a Bible study on these right now, we are just going to assume that you are living in forgiveness towards your neighbour, enemies and friends and that you are ‘not letting the sun go down on your wrath’.
If you have a problem with the above, we’ll get there - next post (Meditation - My ‘Nightly Prep’), but right now I want to focus on ONE Bible passage that will help you know how to “chuck out worry and anxiety”.
I’m going to use the New King James Version for this passage (Philippians iv 6 & 7) for clarity sake:
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Firstly, this is a command! Not a suggestion, nor a principle you will keep when you feel like it. Verse six is clear: No worry; no anxiety about anything!
But you ask, how?!? I cannot stop worrying about stuff. The answer is practical. It is in the next part of the same verse. BUT. Notice the “but”. In everything by prayer … with thanksgiving … make it known to God. Another passage (1 Peter v 7) tells us to cast our cares on the LORD because He cares for you.
God wants to help you. There is enough evil and challenge in every day. God knows this is enough for us. Corrie ten Boom famously said once:
“Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
If we carry out the commands of verse 6, then the LORD promises us what (in verse 7)? God’s peace, that is beyond our understanding and He will guard our hearts and minds through Jesus! Isn’t that cool?!? 😎
So … to summarise:
God commands us not to worry
He shows us how to deal with worry (steps in verse 6)
He promises amazing peace, heart cover and mind protection in Jesus
What does this look like in action? Coming up next … “Meditation - My Nightly Prep”