Give us rest

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" Psalm 91:1,2 NIV

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers said, "You can run a lot, eat well, avoid cigarettes, be built like an Olympian, and have no genetic predisposition for heart disease, but if you skimp on your sleep your heart may still be at risk." Futhermore the study of nearly a half-million people between the ages of 40-69 over seven years concluded, "Those who slept fewer than six hours nightly were 20 percent more likely to have a heart attack during the study period than those who snoozed for 7 to 8 hours a night. Those clocking just five hours of shuteye per night had a 52 percent higher risk than those who got 7 to 8 hours a night." Wow. That should make us want to get more shuteye. Woudn't you agree?

And you know, even though research clearly shows the detrimental effects not getting the proper amount of rest has on our bodies, one in three adults still gets less than seven hours of slumber per night. And one of the biggest reasons for not being able to doze is fear and worry. But as the psalmist clearly understood, when we place our trust in God, we can be free from the worries and concerns that keep us from sleeping. In fact, when we choose to reside or dwell in the presence of the Lord, we will always find our much-needed "rest in the shadow of the Almighty." 

So if you're struggling to fall asleep, won't you trade those anxious thoughts that keep you up at night for the peace of knowing that God is your "refuge" and will provide for all your needs and keep you safe? So give Him your life my friend and He, in turn, will give you the rest you so desperately need. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God whose promises are always true. Over and over, your Word declares and proves that we can trust in You. Help us to do that very thing Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Be still my soul