Pastor's Corner

We often sing a hymn that contains the phrase, "like the prophet, my pillow a stone" (referring to Jacob resting his head on a stone). Most of us know what it's like to drag ourselves through the day because we didn't sleep well the night before.

The difficulty sleeping may have nothing to do with an uncomfortable pillow but with an uncomfortable heart. We may be missing the personal fellowship with the Lord that He designed us for. He may be prompting us to be attentive and awake to Him more than He wants us to sleep well. There may be some unfinished business we need to take care of that has nothing to do with leaving a light on or hearing a dripping faucet.

It may instead have everything to do with getting our hearts right with Him, placing our worries in His care, or confessing to Him sin we have harbored in our heart. We may need to make something right with someone we offended.

Young Samuel's rest was interrupted by God's calling voice and Samuel responded, "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth."

That is the attitude the Lord is after.

He has wonderful things in mind for us and offers peace and rest to those who are attentive to His Word. Christ Jesus died for our sins to make peace between ourselves and God.

The Bible says "He is our peace."

And Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" Jn. 14:27.

When our hearts are at peace with God, a sleepless night can still be filled with praise, celebration, and restfulness. This peace begins when we put our trust in Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior.

Pastor Greg Brownell

Dayton United Brethren Church