#52 The Choice that Might be Undermining Your Health

Don’t worry, I’m not going to list a hundred and one hacks to help you fall asleep faster tonight. If you want tips and tricks about that, you can google it. No, I just want to talk to all of you out there who aren’t even trying.

Yep. YOU. You go to bed way later than you want to night after night, waking groggy and frustrated every morning. In episode #27 we talked about why sleep was important, but what I want to dive deep into today is a simple concept that keeps you from crawling between the covers and closing your eyes. 

Fear.

That's right. The enemy wants you believing that sleep will prevent you from living a full life. These fears keep us glued to social media, binging Netflix, and watching just one more Tic Tok video. 

So, I have an assignment for you today. Identify the fear that is keeping you from going to bed each night. If you are blinking in confusion right now, don’t worry. I’m going to go through some of the most common lies people believe that have them staying awake late into the night. My prayer is that you will identify one that really hits home. Then you can address it directly with God instead of avoiding it with screen time or ice cream.

Lie #1: “I need some fun.”
I hate this one. I’ve definitely found it bouncing around in my brain. What is so treacherous about this one is that it immediately assigns the “not fun” title to the rest of my day. But, that isn’t true. I have yet to live through a single day that God didn't bless me with beautiful moments. And, my dear, I’ve been through some nasty days, believe me. Plus, if I am not waiting until the end of the day to have fun, I will start looking for fun throughout the day instead. That will up-level your daily contentment and joy.

Lie #2: “I am going to miss out if I go to sleep.”
This might be about the TV, the snack, the Instagram posts, anything. It is that worry that the moment you put down your remote, the phone, or the spoon, then the opportunity has passed you by that will never come again…forever. Not true. Pretty much everything can be watched, seen, or eaten at a different time. The only thing that you can’t get back was the solid eight hours of sleep you needed to feel like a human being tomorrow.

Lie #3: “This is the only time I have to connect with others.”
Awe, the sneakiest lie of all. Do you know who connects the best with others? It is the ones who do it in real time and in real life. When I ask ladies about the connecting they are doing, it is usually social media or watching TV with their family. When this happens, I want you to consider, are you really connecting with them? Do they feel seen? Do they feel loved? Would this be better if it didn’t involve some form of entertainment? Would it be best if it was something that involved eye-contact and the sound of each other’s voices? Sometimes I think we stay up late because we crave that connection but we get a watered down version that leaves us wanting more. We stay up later hoping for something else to fill our hungry hearts. 

If one of these lies hit home for you, then an invitation awaits you. You are being invited to trust this to God. You are being invited to lay it down and go to bed. Psalm 3:5 says it the absolute best “I lay down to sleep, yet I woke up in safety; for the LORD was watching over me.” He is watching over you. We get this precious and simple opportunity to strengthen our faith as we lay down to sleep each night. 

Many blessings, my love. 

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