She flipped on her side in the bed for the zillionth time, or so it seemed. A tap at the top of her alarm clock made the digits 11:47 glow.

“I need to be asleep! How will I have the patience for fifteen four-year-olds if I get only six hours of sleep? I have to open the preschool tomorrow.

“And why am I tossing and turning? We had such a great service tonight. I hit the aisle running because I felt God’s conviction so clearly – to know God better so that I’ll really trust Him instead of panicking and worrying all the time. So why am I not sleeping?”

Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

“I know You are God. But I’m having a lot of trouble being still. I start praying, and I feel overwhelmed.”

Cast all you care upon Me; for I care for you.

“So, are we both staying awake all night?”

Behold I Who keep Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

“Funny. Is that Your way of making me laugh through my tears?

“Lord, I hardly know where to start. Kelly and Greg might lose their house because of that foolish scheme they signed on for. And Mrs. Harrison’s daughter Maggie? Lord, her cancer’s so aggressive! How will Frank take care of five kids without her? And Mrs. Leeds needs a liver. She’s been the preschool Sunday school teacher for what? Thirty years? And she prays through the church directory every week. Who else will do that?

I give strength to My people; I bless My people with peace.

“What about the school’s enrollment, Lord? We’re only half way through the year, and we’ve lost so many students. How will we ever meet the budget?”

You know that all things work together for good to them that love Me, to them who are the called according to My purpose.

“It doesn’t feel good, Father. It feels horrible and frustrating and…I’m scared.”

Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?

“I’m just a woman, Lord. I’m made out of dust. I…I just can’t take all this.”

My grace is sufficient for you.

“With all due respect, I’ve heard that one before. It’s not helping me sleep any better.”

You shall not fear…for it is I, the Lord your God, who fights for you…I have only begun to show you, My servant, My greatness and My mighty hand. For what god is there in heaven or in earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Mine?

“Fighting for me? Like a knight in shining armor? I could really use a champion. I haven’t even prayed about all the arguing Tim and I have been doing.”

Therefore being justified by faith, you have peace with Me through your Lord Jesus Christ:…And not only so, but you [can] glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.

“Hope. I remember hope, Lord. I can hardly believe the way You allowed that county board variance to come through just in time. And Pastor O’Connor’s successful heart surgery? Thank You, Father. Keep reminding me, Lord. I need to be focusing on all the ways You’ve proven Yourself faithful over and over again.”

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

“Thank you, Father, for loving me even when I’m stubborn and disrespectful and complaining. Forgive me for my sinful heart. I’ll never understand why the Great God of the Universe puts up with me.”

I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you.

“Keep working on me, Father. I want to be the woman You created me to be.”

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

“Quietness forever? Like never missing another night’s sleep?”

I will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Me: because he trusteth in Me.

Sleep overcame her before she thought to tap the button on top of her alarm clock. Just before midnight.

Verses are adapted from the King James Version. Ps. 46:10, I Pet 5:7, Ps. 121:4, Ps. 29:11, Rom. 8:28, Mark 4:40, 2 Cor. 12:9, Deut. 3:22,24, Rom. 5:1,3-4, John 16:33, Jer.31:9, Isa. 32:17, Isa. 26:3a.

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Written by Karen Dye. This article was published in the Winter 2007 edition of The Beautiful Spirit magazine.
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