I am blessed beyond my imagination in many ways and I thank the LORD that His grace has been sufficient, and more than sufficient, over and over. Unlike many, I rarely suffer from anxiety or anxiousness over things and situations. That is one of the ways I count myself blessed. I do too often suffer frustration and reactive anger about really insignificant stuff or happenings. However, even in times where I may feel far from righteous and the Lord in attitude or actions, I am always secure in the knowledge of His character, love, grace, power, and in doing what is right. So anxiety is a rarity for me.
Lately, I have had some bouts of insomnia. Laying awake mind racing from this to that to another thing. I am amazed at my propensity to cover so many areas of thought, from projects, to theology, to concerns for those I love, or those that challenge my ability to love, to dreaming plans, and just wishing I could sleep. I will admit I have spent a great deal of my life staying up too late and getting up too early; resulting in being sleep deprived for at least most of my adulthood. But, I am not writing about sleep habits or, to quote Glen Campbell, the dreams of the everyday housewife. I am talking about our ability to think, to ponder, and where it can take us. It is perhaps our best creative tool and our greatest challenge as well, at least in the soulish realm (mind, will, emotions).
Paul in closing out his letter to the Philippians gave them instruction on thinks to thin on/dwell on/ ponder:
[Philippians 4:8 NASB95] 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Ponder what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good reputation, excellent and worthy of praise. This covers a lot doesn’t it? But there is perhaps only One that embodies it all. Jesus! My insomniac thoughts are sometimes about spiritual matters or theological questions. But I must admit they are not as lofty as all this list entails. Perhaps they should be and that would bring me to Him who has promised to give us rest (Matthew 11:28) and a peace unlike the world gives (John 14:27)
It is interesting to note that the apostle sandwiches this instruction on thought and pondering things with peace.
[Philippians 4:7, 9 NASB95] 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. … 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Having your mind dwell on Him brings peace. Perhaps peace is the prescription that is better than melatonin or Nyquil sleep concoctions.
[Isaiah 26:3 NASB95] 3 “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.
The KJV here says Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.
Wow! Consider that this is Perfect Peace! How do you get it? By simply pondering, thinking upon, dwelling upon Him.
As referenced above the Peace of God, which is beyond our comprehension and understanding, guards our hearts and minds in Christ. (Philippians 4:7) Think of the power of having your thoughts guarded in Christ! What does that mean to you? If we are stayed, pondering, dwelling on Him, we might find reactions under control. We might find empowerment to love beyond measure, even the unlovely, and certainly much more
We will certainly have an awareness of our place in Him and in relationship to others. That leads us to another of Paul’s instructions on thoughts and thinking.
[Romans 12:3 NASB95] 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
In that peace that comes from thinking on Him, we might even find sleep.
[Psalm 4:8 NASB95] 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.
[Proverbs 19:23 NASB95] 23 The fear of the LORD [leads] to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.
I pray our hearts and minds find peace, perfect peace, pondering Him, and that they are guarded in Christ Jesus. And Coming to Him may we indeed find peace, a peace unlike the world can provide.