Sometimes sleep is elusive. Though you are tired and weary – sleep does not come.  Instead, you are anxious and restless.

In the night, when you can not sleep – those are dangerous times.

Because that is the enemy’s favorite time to approach. That is when Satan begins to whisper in your ears. You can not be content the way things are now.  Look at the people around you – they’re so much better than you.

That is when he begins to poke at old wounds.  He reminds you of lingering, unfulfilled desires.  He just plain messes with you.

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night. – Psalm 63:5-6

In the watches of the night.  Isn’t that when we just can not pretend any longer? Satan knows when to attack us.

A satisfied soul and joyful lips. Don’t we all long for contentment and joy?  Satan knows where to attack us.

So, what is the answer?  How can we have contentment and joy even in the watches of the night?

When you’re lying there on your bed and sleep just will not come – remember the Lord and meditate on Him.

Choose some Scriptures that speak peace and truth to you and write them on index cards.  Put them on the night stand by your bed.

When you’re in your bed and those anxious or restless or fearful feelings come – you need to have the truth at your fingertips.  Don’t get me wrong, it absolutely needs to be in your heart, in your mind and always on your lips. Sometimes, though, when you’re feeling particularly low and your emotions are all over the place – it can be hard to focus on truth.  You flip through the Bible, desperate for a word, but nothing seems to stand out. But, if you have a stack of Scriptures that you can read, one by one, the bad feelings are overtaken by the contentment and joy that He brings.

You see…perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18.)  So, fill your mind with the knowledge of His perfect love.  And, if you need help getting started, leave a comment or email me.  I’d be happy to share some of the verses that bring me joy in the watches of the night.