Bill Gates, one of the richest people in the world said that he thought: Sleep is lazy and unnecessary. In his 30s and 40s, he minimized his sleep. Later he realized sleep is essential for the healthy growth of the body including the brain. (NDTV News 9 August 2023) Sleep fulfills the physical need for rejuvenation and restoration; the emotional need for peace; spiritual need to trust God.
Adam’s sleep
God gave a deep sleep to Adam and created Eve out of his rib. When people of God sleep trusting and surrendering to him, He works to bring the best. Eve was created and presented to Adam as his life companion and partner. (Genesis 2:22-24)
Sound and sweet sleep
God gives his beloved sleep. (Psalms 127:2) Generous grace of God is for His beloved who could sleep in peace. Prophet Jeremiah was mourning, but it was turned to joy. Hence, he writes his sleep was sweet or pleasure. (Jeremiah 31:26)
Toiled and Tired
Jesus when he traveled with his disciples on a boat, he slept. (Mark 4:37) Even the tides, storms, winds, and sprinkling of water could not wake him up. Only the distress calls from the disciples woke him up. People who do the hard work, enjoy their sleep. Yes, sleep is one of the enjoyments all wish to have. (Ecclesiastes 2:24)
Sleep or stress
King David was pursued by Absalom in the civil war to claim the throne. However, David could trust God and go to sleep. “I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.” (Psalm 3:5) No fear or stress or worry.
Stupid sleep
First, those who do not want to work, sleep, and plunge into poverty. (Proverbs 24:33-34) Second, the Bodyguards of Saul slept during duty, he could have been assassinated by David. (I Samuel 26:7) Third, Jonah ran from God’s call and presence and slept, later thrown into the sea. (Jonah 1:4-5) Four, perhaps bored by a long sermon of Paul, an Eutychus slept and fell from the roof. (Acts 20:9) Five, Foolish virgins slept before proper preparation. (Matthew 25:1-13)
Do I enjoy sound sleep from the Lord?