Bible Studies

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Have you ever awaken from a dead sleep, in a state of panic. If truthful, we all have experienced this false sense of anxiety. I label it a "false sense" as for the Christian, that's what it is,

" Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:27)

You may recall, or have studied that famous speech by President Roosevelt entitled, “Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”, which he gave at his Inaugural Address. Franklin D. Roosevelt had campaigned against Herbert Hoover in the 1932 presidential election by saying as little as possible about what he might do if elected. Through even the closest working relationships, none of the president-elect’s most intimate associates felt they knew him well, with the exception perhaps of his wife, Eleanor. The affable, witty Roosevelt used his great personal charm to keep most people at a distance. In campaign speeches, he favored a buoyant, optimistic, gently paternal tone spiced with humor. But his first inaugural address took on an unusually solemn, religious quality. And for good reason—by 1933 the depression had reached its depth. Roosevelt’s first inaugural address outlined in broad terms how he hoped to govern and reminded Americans that the nation’s “common difficulties” concerned “only material things.”

It's not only children who get frightened at night. Many adults endure lifelong fears when the lights finally go out and the demons they imagine seem quite real.

The small child is frighten by shadows dancing on the wall. The house wife is worried about her next day choirs. The husband is anticipating tomorrows sales pitch speech. Yes, we all have been there and done that.

I once had an Uncle, who was an All-American foot ball player. One night he dreamed he was kicking the football and kicked the wall, braking his toe. I don't think he ever lived down that episode, among his colleagues nor his family.

And, please allow me to give just one of my experiences. I once had a job, whereby I has on night call duty. I had many a midnight fight with my beeper as the beeper would awaken me from my deepest sleeps. Once I laid the beeper on the window seal only to pull down the curtains as I tugged to turn off the beeper.

And, oh yes, the internet is crammed full examples and remedies for coping with such night trauma. Unfortunately , most are secular in nature, and don't give God the credit, nor the praise for solving such problems.

King David was in this very spot many times in his lifetime, but he took comfort in these words,

" In peace I both lie down and sleep, for You alone O Lord, make me dwell in safety".(Psalm 4:8)

The early church must have experienced this same anxiety, as the Apostle Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, gave many verses on the subject of fear. One of my favorite verses is,

"For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but of power, love and good judgment' ( 2 Timothy 2:7)

And, it's OK to shed a tear now and then, for God's word tell us,

" Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. (Psalm 126:5)", and

"For his anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a life-time: Weeping may tarry for the night, But joy cometh in the morning.(Psalm 30:5).

Yes, our Lord knows our apprehensions and is always faithful.,

" For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all". (2 Corinthians 4:17).

So, next time you have those disquiet moments and can't sleep, just commit you cares to our all knowing, all caring Heavenly father.

" Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1Peter5:7)

Please Remember,

" Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).

And a good warm glass of milk wouldn't hurt either. Along with a nice soft cookie. That is, if you arn't watching your waist line.

God Bless All.

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