I read something today that said the quality of my sleep indicates the quality of my spiritual life. That was pretty convicting because I didn’t sleep well last night.

I had gotten a text late in the day yesterday informing me of a loved one’s poor decisions and urging me to take action.

So, after a restless sleep, my brain decided 3 A.M. was a good time to wake up and work on the problem. Never mind that this person has freedom to make unwise and self-destructive choices. Never mind that I have no power to change or control things. Never mind that it’s the middle of the night and lack of sleep won’t help anybody.

Most of the things in life that make me the most upset are things that I can’t control. And so most of the things I worry about in the wee hours of the morning are those same things. Things I have no control over. What a stupid and frustrating way to not sleep!

“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.” (Psalms‬ ‭4‬:‭8,‬ ‭HCSB)‬‬

I think maybe I should affix this verse to my ceiling so when I wake in the night wondering what to do, I will remember simply to pray.

Unlike me, God does see the future. He does know how to work things out for good, even poor choices. God is good, wise, holy, all-powerful, and eternal. He loves me. He wants His children to leave our burdens at His feet, to trust Him, and to move on with our job of doing the things we can control — praising Him and loving people generously.

Dear God, thank you for the reminder to stop fretting about things that are out of my control. Please help me to humbly accept my inability to solve every problem. Thank you for listening to my prayers, welcoming my burdens, and using your unlimited power to turn bad into good when we love you and trust you. And help me sleep in peace.