I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
Lately, I have found myself restless at night. All the things I didn’t get done or need to get done run through my mind. Worries and what ifs pop up to keep me unsettled. This is common for me at the end of summer and into early fall. I have to keep reminding myself that I go through this a lot at this time of year. However, like many things we are going through now, everything seems condensed. Everything seems more than usual.
I find it interesting that, along with my nights of dis-ease, I have found some common words emerging in my consciousness throughout my day. I find them surfacing again and again as I work through what needs to be done at the moment or as I organize my day. These words are, “simple,” “flexible,” and, “open.” How interesting that at the same time I find myself struggling to rest, I am also given these words to help shape my day.
I wonder if any of you have found yourselves in a similar situation. Whether it is both the unruly evenings and the words lifting as a mantra throughout your day, or just one of these aspects, I wonder if you too find something like this happening in your life. Further, I wonder if it is God doing something there, within our subconsciousness. Is my restlessness lifting up an opportunity to turn to God in prayer and trust? Are the words that have consistently risen to my consciousness been the Holy Spirit reshaping how I work on something or perceive it?
In this uncertain time, pay attention to the moments of unrest. Pay attention to the words that continue to rise to your consciousness. How might God be working within you and in this time of shifting seasons to bring deepened meaning, a fuller perspective, and new life? How might God be using these moments to draw us closer to each other; and, particularly, to God?
Let us pray,
Under your wing, o God, we find our safe haven and rest. Whether through gentle breeze or torrential gusts, usher us to safety in you. Open our minds and hearts to pay attention and notice the ways you call us to you, again and again. Help us sleep. Refresh us so that we may wake with energy and insight to live out your calling for us today and every day. Amen.