We have really been struggling with Daniel’s sleeping lately. As many of you know, sleep has been a constant issue around our house since Daniel was born. He is still not sleeping through the night, but sometimes he does better than others. Well, this is not one of those “better” times. He is teething. He is transitioning from two naps to one. He had a virus recently. I am not sure what else has contributed to this bump in the road, but to make a long story short, I am tired. A few mornings ago, Daniel woke for the day just before 5 a.m. Needless to say, I was not ready to get out of bed. I grumpily drug myself through our morning routine, feeling kind of miffed at God. Doesn’t the Bible say that He gives his beloved rest? Doesn’t He love me? Doesn’t He notice I am about ready to collapse from exhaustion?
Later that morning, Daniel and I ventured outside. He had been begging to go, and I thought perhaps the fresh air would revive me. As we walked through the yard, we happened upon some stray morning glories. Have you ever noticed that morning glory leaves are perfect hearts? I felt God whispering, “I do love you. I do have your best interests in mind.”
I began feeling a little better. Then, Daniel and I came to our yucca plants. Now, Brian is the one who planted the yuccas, and I have never been exactly fond of them. They seem kind of southwestern…like something you might find in the Taco Bell parking lot. Anyway, this particular morning our yucca had broken forth with the most beautiful white blossoms. Daniel grabbed one in his little hand to admire it, and I found myself gently touching one too. They were beautiful. And then a snippet of scripture came to mind: “to give them beauty for ashes.” The Lord can take any situation and create beauty from it. Even beauty from yucca! Now, I fully realize that sleeplessness does not rank high on the list of hardships some people suffer. But, at this moment on this day, I felt the Lord bringing beauty into my relatively small hardship.
Later that evening, I looked up scriptures that contain “my strength” in them…because the Lord is really my strength…not 8 hours of uninterrupted rest…though I keep praying for that too. :) Here are some verses I am hoping to commit to memory. Maybe they will help those other sleep-deprived moms out there too.
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
Habakkuk 3:19
The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
2 comments:
These are some of my favorite verses. I really do understand what you are dealing with as to the lack of sleep. I am so proud of you for going right back to the Lord with this and digging into His Word, too. I have to do the same thing so many times (on various issues or struggles). I am sure some would find me weird 'cause at my house you are likely to find scriptures tucked all over. On index cards, on post it notes, taped to a window, sitting on shelf, written in the corner of a mirror, stuck on the fridge, the microwave, my bedroom wall, on and on. Sometimes I just need to see the Lord's reminder right before my eyes in print. Boldly showing me, telling me again and again, "I love you, I care darlin', I'm here, We got this..." just like your yucca whisperings. You are doing a wonderful job Melinda. What a testiment to God's goodness you are. Praying for you. :)
Oh Melody, we are certainly related. I too have scriptures tucked everywhere. My mom just writes scripture right on her walls! Thank you so much for your comments here on this blog. They mean SO much to me!
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