What to Read When Worry Keeps You From Sleep

One night recently I was feeling particularly weighed down by the heaviness in our world and some fears that my mind was trying to convince me were real (they weren’t). As I was trying to go to sleep, I was overwhelmed by these spinning thoughts. The what ifs and worries wouldn’t stop coming. Tired from the day, I reached over to my nightstand and opened a devotional. When I read the words at the top of the day’s reading, I was speechless. Here’s what it said:

“Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt…” Exodus 12:42

I have known in my head that God doesn’t sleep. That He intercedes for us. That He is always with us. But somehow, the word picture of God keeping vigil for His children struck me as so beautifully powerful and touching. It shows me not only His power, but His heart, too. His heart was bent towards His children, watching over them to bring them into safety.

In the dark of night when Israel, God’s people, were fleeing for their lives as slaves, God kept vigil for them. I just love that. The tenderness of the heart of God is unmatched and so inviting. We were never meant to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. He not only “holds all things together,” He invites us to give our burdens to Him to carry. He never tires, and He desires to carry us through our darkest hour.

I let these truths wash over me, reminded afresh that God can be trusted with my worries. That He would keep vigil that night for me.  

As I drifted off to sleep, knowing that our world and my fears were being taken care of by the only One who is big enough to carry them, I was reminded of the beautiful imagery in Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

I don’t know what you are carrying with you today. Maybe it’s the search for answers for your child. Maybe it’s the weight of a diagnosis that seems unsurmountable. Or maybe it’s a desperate clinging for hope in the darkness. I’m praying you can lay your fears and worries at the feet of the One who is willing and able to carry them for you.