Go Lay Down ….
I remember when I was a child/youth/teenager and I was feeling irritable, my mother would tell me, “Go lay down” It never made sense to me, but I would go to my room and eventually fall asleep. I would wake up refreshed. The prescription of “Go lay down” was a gift.
As an adult, I still have moments of being irritable. My inner voice still gives me the same message, “Go lay down somewhere”. It comes in my mother’s voice or Nina Simone’s (smile) But when I truly sleep, whether overnight or a power nap, I wake up refreshed.
Our bodies were designed to rest and reset during regular cycles of sleep. Sleep is a right and not a reward.
Tricia Hersey , the Nap Bishop, asserts in her book “Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto”“We must believe we are worthy of rest. We don’t have to earn it. It is our birthright. It is one of our most ancient and primal needs.”
We may have occasional moments of all nighters, but we are called to sleep. The Bible offers up passages that remind us that God wants us to be able to enjoy the blessing of a good night’s rest. Sleep is a gift from God, a source of rest, protection, and peace
Psalm 127:2 (NIV): "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves."
Psalm 4:8 (NIV): "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 121:3-4 (NIV): "He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."
These passages highlight the significance of sleep as a gift from God, a source of rest, protection, and peace.
Sleeping restores me Spiritually, Mentally and Physically. I am officially no longer trying to be a member of Team No Sleep. Our bodies were designed to have regular cycles of sleep. It is a right and not a reward. Sleep is a gift from God and I’m not returning it. Imma (No typo) o lay down”
Spiritual Benefits of Sleep:
Enhanced self-awareness: Adequate sleep helps clear the mind and allows for introspection, promoting a deeper sense of self-awareness. Restful sleep can create a sense of calmness and tranquility, facilitating a stronger connection to the Spirit. Dream exploration: During the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, we experience vivid dreams that can provide insights, symbols, or messages related to our spiritual journey.
Mental Benefits of Sleep:
Sleep is essential for optimal brain functioning, including memory consolidation, attention, problem-solving, creativity, and decision-making. Restful sleep promotes mental clarity and the ability to think clearly, enhancing productivity and overall mental performance. Sleep supports emotional stability, helping to regulate moods and reduce the likelihood of mood swings, irritability, and emotional vulnerability.
Physical Benefits of Sleep:
Sleep supports immune function, allowing the body to defend against illnesses and infections more effectively. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates tissues, including muscles, organs, and cells, contributing to physical recovery and growth. Restorative sleep provides the body with the energy it needs to function optimally, resulting in increased vitality, alertness, and physical performance.
