Everyone needs it. It is built into how we are wired as human beings. There is a reason why sleep deprivation is a legit torture tactic. Having had experience in the past of months and months on end of insomnia, I can assure you chronic lack of sleep is horrendous. Whilst I haven’t suffered from that for many years, I am never on best form when I haven’t slept well. So, to that end, here are some random thoughts on sleep.

Jesus needed sleep so you do too

If Jesus needed needed sleep (and he did) and he made sure to get it (which he did), we surely need it too. Sleep was part of Jesus human frame and it is a basic human need. We are not stronger than Jesus and Jesus needed to sleep – you need sleep too!

Sleep admits God’s sovereignty

For several hours every night, we lie down and admit (whether we like it or not) that the God of the universe can get on just fine without us. Sleep is a daily reminder that we are no in control of the universe. We are not the sovereign God of the universe. Sleep admits that God is sovereign and we are not; every night.

Lack of sleep is not good for you on any level

Most people feel pretty grotty when they haven’t slept well. Some of us (and I am one of them) have a tendency to feel particularly awful. We may experience real physical symptoms alongside being tired. We are likely to have headaches, feel sick and can face other symptoms. Many people will also find themselves lacking patience with others, struggling to focus and unable to do basic tasks that involve any sort of engagement. Lack of sleep is not good for you physically, mentally or spiritually.

Sometimes the most godly thing you can do is go to bed

So said Don Carson. The most godly thing you can do sometimes is not pray all night, but get some sleep. This is especially true for those of us who tend not to treat people brilliantly when we are sleep deprived. If we are to honour the Lord in our work and in our dealings with others, it pays to get some sleep.