Home Alone

My husband's work sometimes takes him away from home for a few days. I've learned to adapt to being alone—but I don't like it. The house feels too empty and nighttime noises jostle me from a good night's sleep.

Last night was no exception. Although exhausted, I couldn't sleep. The furnace made a funny sound. A floorboard creaked. Was that a branch against the window?

Prayer helped a little but I was still afraid. “Lord, help me!”

It was as if He asked me how long I had lived in this house. Beth was two years old, she's twenty-six now, so that means we've been here twenty-four years. And how many nights is that? While mental arithmetic is not my strong suit, I figured out that roughly I have slept 8,000 nights in this house.

It was as if I heard Him laugh. I got it. He had kept me safe for 8,000 nights. I could trust Him for one more. Sleep was most peaceful after that.

Isn't it funny how worry gets the best of us? Worse when we're tired, hungry, or stressed. But think of God's lesson to me—how many days has He carried you? How many days has he protected you? Turn your anxiety over to God. As a friend often quotes, "He'll be up all night anyway and may as well do the worrying."

He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:3-4 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, sweeten our dreams and let us sleep in peace because you never sleep and are always watching over us.