Sleep didn’t come to me easy last night.
Falling asleep was difficult, as I couldn’t shut off my brain. I remember thinking of everything from Christmas gifts to my best friend’s daughter to the new job I’m starting this week. I must have drifted off somewhere, because I woke up at 4:55 to the sound of a train.
Trains in the distance and their whistles are a common sound around here, but this one sounded much louder. I could tell the wind was carrying the sound from the north. If I didn’t know better, I would have sworn I was back in my childhood bedroom where these same train tracks, and the trains that traveled on them, were just a block away.
Trying all I could do to fall back asleep, I gave up. And here I am.
With my cup of coffee, sharing here, eyes tired.
Oh, and another train.
Turning to my Jesus Calling devotional this morning, I was prompted to take the focus off of me, my lack of sleep, the sounds of trains, and to maybe understand why sleep was not my friend last night.
“I desire to talk with all of My children, but many are too busy to listen.”
“I also am blessed when you make Me first in your life.”
I was too busy to listen yesterday. I left the house in a rush, instead of spending time with God, praying and reading His Word. I talked to Him as I was on the go, but I really never took time to listen.
God, I’m listening.
Isn’t it interesting this scripture was referenced in this morning’s reading…
The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. Isaiah 50:4
Maybe someone needs to read these words, too, this morning. Maybe that someone is you. If this is the case, I encourage you to take a few minutes and spend time with the One Who loves you, Who desires your attention, Who longs to spend time with you.
He wants us to not only talk to Him, but to listen as well.
I’m lifting each of us in prayer this morning, and if you’re like me, and sleep didn’t come to you easily last night, may you be encouraged and strengthened with the thought that maybe God just wanted to spend time with you.
What a blessed thought!
Blessings, friend.
Julie
Julie, up early too. Praying and sending tweets to my 17 yr. Old son who is anxious over decisions about the future. Thanks for this reminder!
That’s right, Lisa. We have sons the same age. What a good mama you are. Keep up the great work. Blessings, friend!
No, sleep didn’t come easily for me, either.
I find that listening comes from a place from which anticipation, and even waiting, are banished.
Looking forward to something places it in front of God, and simply waiting for something places it “next to God”. God is like Hope, in the story of Pandora’s box; easily missed by these magnificent edifices of the mind we put up in the waiting.
Perhaps we put them up because we would truly prefer not so see Him, for fear that small as He seems to be, He is immeasurably larger than we, and we fear for our individual existence.
The dewdrop, resisting the sun.
I am continually listening for that still, small voice. Praying sleep comes easier for all of us tonight.
I read the Jesus Calling today, also… and was moved by that very line. Let’s pray for each other- that we might draw near to Emmanuel today- with humility to listen. Loved this message!
Amen, Karen! That’s my prayer tonight as I close down this day. Jesus Calling is my favorite devotional!
Such a difference it makes in our days when we take time to be with Him. But I loved the reminder to not only take time to be with Him, but to listen to Him too. Blessings to you, sweet friend. xoxo
Amen, Beth. I sometimes don’t listen. God bless you too, friend!