by Danielle N. Hall

4/20/16

Some of you may be familiar with the following lyrics:

“Let me hold you tight…if only for one night

Let me keep you near, to ease away your fear

It would be so nice…if only for one night”

These lyrics, so smoothly sung by the late and great “Luther”, were presented as an offer that could hardly be refused. While the lyrics are comforting, the truth is, I don’t have access to Luther nor was he even talking to me…lol

I’m convinced that most everyone has someone, or something, that they have a yearning for. Night after night, for years, I tossed and turned and turned and tossed…missing and wanting this one thing: REST.

I had grown accustomed to only getting a combination of a very few hours of broken sleep daily. I was a functioning insomniac!!!  In an effort to be transparent, I have to acknowledge that suppressed memories, worry, stress, being consumed with others’ issues, a bit of fear, and burnout had caused to me to have many nights void of rest. Over time, it began affecting my health in many ways…some symptoms were lightheadedness, intermittent blurred vision, memory challenges, weight gain, fatigue, headaches, and irritability. I would still function, but my mind and body screamed: “IF ONLY FOR ONE NIGHT!!!”

Then it finally happened…I made a decision to release that which was keeping me from getting what my mind and body craved. Make no mistake about this…deciding is just the beginning of the process.  We then have to actually do the work. I found a few new comforting lines:

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

I began to rehearse these words and then they finally took root and THEN my “one night” became numerous nights. What I’ve come to learn is that we often suffer for an unnecessary lengthy period of time because we have a tendency to depend on finite things, but God in all of His infinite wisdom has provided what we need in His word.

What’s been keeping you up at night? Is it stressing about finances, worrying about a loved one, fear of what’s gonna happen, or holding on to memories of traumatic experiences? I encourage you to “let Him hold you tight…if only for one night. Let Him keep you near to ease away your fear. It would be so nice…if only for one night.” I’ve learned to rest in His arms and on His word. Here are some that may help you:

Psalm 94:19 (AMP) When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (AMP) You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast that is, committed and focused on You—[in both inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You with hope and confident expectation. Trust confidently in the Lord forever He is your fortress, your shield, your banner, for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.

REST…and may your one night become many!