In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8 NLT

. . . yes, he gives sleep to the one he loves. Psalm 127:2 CSB

As I age, falling asleep and remaining asleep have grown more challenging. Over the past few years, I have tried numerous remedies, following this or that tip shared by those in my age cohort. We are all so different, though, that what works for one of my friends doesn’t help me.

I have even learned to adhere to good sleep hygiene, as it’s called. That includes a cold bedroom sans cell phone, stretching my calves to prevent cramps, and taking various supplements and hormones. I usually read for 10–15 minutes in bed, but always something dry that won’t stir my imagination and set me to solving the main character’s problem. Novels I reserve for before-dinner enjoyment.

Yet sleep remains elusive. The Lord is certainly not wasting this suffering. Fatigue is teaching me to yield to my body’s limitations and lie down during the day for 30–40 minutes. I’ve tried “kicking against the goads,” but it does no good.

You might ask, “Maria, you’re retired. What’s the big deal if you need a nap?” It’s because I enjoy so many different projects, and they are all important to me.

But, God!

Slowly, gently, without ceasing, He is bending my will to His. I’m having to surrender my day’s agenda and yield to the limits assigned by my Father, who, I admit, knows best what is good for me. As King David penned, and I now declare, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.” Psalm 16:6 NIV

What I’m praying for this week is to stop focusing my attention on the quality of my sleep and instead accept God’s good gift of sleep, no matter when He assigns it.