Have you downloaded our 2015 Bible Reading Plan? Join us this year as we focus of the theme: Live Courageously

Getting a Little “Shut Eye”

“You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. Psalm 139:3

In my years of working with men coming out of a life dominated by sinful behavior, I find that one of the biggest obstacles is getting sleep. Those nights of tossing and turning trying to fall asleep when your mind is running full speed. It seems as though all your problems and concerns are filling your thoughts and occupying your mind.

I suppose there are different reasons for our times of unsettledness that causes us to miss out on that much desired “shut eye”, but whatever the case the resolve is going to the Lord through His word.

Usually I will direct a person to spend some time in Psalm 139 at night, to meditate on the understanding that God is right there with us and can use our time while lying down to get our attention. I remember some of my most intimate conversations with my Mom and Dad took place at the end of the day. Sitting on our couch after a bath and in my pajamas was the best time for them to “get through” to me. It’s those teachable moments at night when we can settle down and unwind our minds to prepare for much needed sleep.

If I’m sitting with a guy that has a lot of guilt and shame, I usually direct them to Psalm 51 to learn from David how to deal with a heart that needs to confess and seek forgiveness. But I always encourage Psalm 139 at night.  This should not take away from your morning devotion that is needed to start the day, but, an end of the day Word that I use to help me to relax, time spent in God’s word asking Him, “​Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me, and know my anxieties, and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”.

Just like when I was and would take my evening bath to wash off the filth of the day, let us hear the words of Jesus as spoken in Matthew 11 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Rob Russomano serves full-time at America’s Keswick and is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy. You can write him at rrussomano@americaskeswickorg

Daily Bible Reading: Revelation 12-18

Think About This: Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world – stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death – and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love? Then you can keep Christmas. Henry Van Dyke

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9