Lesson 25: Standing and Resting in Righteousness
Question 8, 9 and 10
In finishing today, I would like to consider sleep for a moment because in our depression we might be sleeping poorly or much longer or much shorter than we would like, and this can affect how well we function emotionally, physically and even spiritually during the day.
There is much good practical advice available on the value of sensible pre-sleep routines, screen media reduction before bed, and daily exercise amongst other things. But have you considered that sleep and rest can be seen through the lens of the gospel as an illustration of salvation? “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28), as well as pointing to our ultimate rest in heaven (Hebrews 4:9). David Mathis writes: “In Jesus, God means for us to walk in faith that rests in him, relinquishes control, closes our eyes, and goes to bed. And he means for us to walk in faith that rises to meet others’ needs, when love beckons and forgoes his good gift of sleep.
Sleeping to the glory of God is not simply maximizing it or minimizing it. Walking by faith in a fallen world requires us to read the situation and follow the leading of the Spirit. Typically that means ‘turning in” on time, turning off the TV, putting away the smartphone, and saying, “Father, now I give myself to you in sleep. You are sovereign. I am not. You don’t need me to run the universe. Now I rest in your care and ask for your gift of sleep.” How much better might we sleep if we consciously rolled our burdens onto Jesus’ broad shoulders before hitting the pillow?”
Some call sleep ‘an evening sacrifice’ for “In peace, I will both lie down and sleep,” said God’s anointed, “for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).
Please read this devotional from James Smith which was written in 1859 called ‘You hold me by my right hand!” This author didn't say it, but the cross is God's promise, His covenant sealed in blood, that He is with you every moment of the day, every second of the night, in each and every experience you go through. Question 8. After reading the quote from David Mathis, and the devotional from James Smith, how can you apply these biblical truths to your own sleep and rest?
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.
Tori writes, "I am going to start praying to God before bed, to relinquish control, calm my mind and protect me. This is something I asked God for last night and look he’s answering my prayers now! Also God is teaching me the importance of resting."
David writes, "I need to relinquish control to Christ. Christ will give me rest. I need to focus on Him who can give me rest. The world is full of noise. But God is there to love, comfort, give peace and rest. But I have to close the world out."
Question 9. Have you received the gospel of Jesus Christ today in your study of God's Word?
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.
Question 10. Have you applied the gospel of Jesus Christ in your life today?
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.