Asleep

In the beginning God made the heavens and the earth. After creating everything, God rested. Does that mean God went to sleep?

As humans we grow tired and require a nap; at least I do in the afternoon. Does God grow sleepy and require a daily nap in the afternoon? If we take the days of the week literally as with the creation, does God sleep every seventh day?

As a child, when a storm came, my mother would put me to bed for a nap. I did not fear what the storm might do to me. I was not afraid. Mother told me God is with us always and protects us at all times.

As children of God, we should not be afraid of what the world might do to us. God is in charge. But one might ask, “What if something bad happens to me?”

Illustration from Jeff Strite, preacher of the church of Christ in Logansport, IN. Sermon titles ‘Help From The Hills’ Nov. 3, 2023. ILLUS: A young mother was putting her daughter to bed one night. Her husband was gone and they were there all alone, and while there was a full moon and the wind howled menacingly in trees both the mom and her daughter were uneasy. Then the young girl asked her mother if the MOON was God’s night light. “Yes, dear,” the mother replied.

Then the girl asked “Does God turn out his light when he goes to sleep?” “No honey, GOD NEVER SLEEPS.” “Oh,” said the child quietly. “Well, if God’s going to stay up all night, there’s no sense both of us staying awake.” And then she just turned over in bed, pulled up her blanket and fell asleep.” (childlike faith) That child found comfort in the fact that God didn’t sleep. God was going to be up all night anyway! She had faith that He would watch over her, and so she slept.

From a little child we are made known the power of God. By a child’s faith we can establish a greater faith. If God is not asleep during our night, He will look over us while we sleep. The child only knows mother and father always take care of them in every situation; it has never failed.

Even with these words, ‘a child like faith’, many believers falter in their faith accepting God will protect us. We need to be reminded often of God’s protection. God is our father; he created everything; even us.

Jesus tells us what to fear and what not. Mt. 10:28. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

We should never worry nor fear what might happen to us in this world. God is in control; so we tell each other. How is this possible? King David tells many people that God is in control, therefore, do not fear.

Do you realize God is omnipresent–meaning he is everywhere. If God is everywhere, how does he do it?

David tells us from where our help comes. Let us study Psalms 121.

Ps. 121:1. 121 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. The hills represent God who is looking over us. As a hill is high, so is God. On a hill, you can see over a large territory.

Elisha and his servant were surrounded by the Syrian army one morning. The servant noticed the great army when he arose and went outside. He became afraid. Elisha calmed him by showing him the presence of God. turn to 2 Kings 6:14-17. 14 Therefore sent he [King of Syria] thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. 15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Have you opened your eyes to the Spirit realm to see the presence of God? God also being omniscient, knowing everything, finds out where you are and the conditions you are found in.

God, being above even the hills, (or in the hills) is looking over us. This is comforting, but it does not explain if God sleeps or not. In Psalms 121:3-4, David tells us, 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.