by Marilynn Chadwick

"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet."

Proverbs 3:24 NIV

I remember the time our children's school observed that a growing number of students were experiencing symptoms of sleep deprivation. They sent out an email reminding parents of the importance of ensuring our kids got enough sleep—especially those in high school.

Today's world, it would seem, is suffering from a sleep crisis. We are bombarded by the number of supplements and medications promising to help us sleep. Sleepless nights often go hand in hand with the alarming increase in anxiety. This sharp rise in extreme worry, reported among all age groups, has become a mental health crisis.

God's Word has much to say about the importance of sound sleep. It also exhorts us to care for our minds. When we walk in wisdom, as Proverbs teaches, we will be careful to guard our minds from anxious thinking. This, in turn, helps us sleep better. "You will rest without a worry and sleep soundly" (Proverbs 3:24b CEV).

According to Proverbs, part of the secret to a good night's rest is to avoid overwork and excessive labor to gain wealth. We are warned about the dangers of relentless drudgery. "Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich; be smart enough to stop" (Proverbs 23:4 CEB). In its place, the Bible mandates a Sabbath rhythm that both respects our need for rest and honors God (Exodus 20:98-10).

Rest is a vital gift for human well-being. The Bible emphasizes a beautiful balance that stresses diligence and hard work while avoiding the anxiety-producing frenzy we see all around us. "Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind" (Ecclesiastes 4:6 NIV).

I like how the Message Bible's paraphrase of Proverbs 3:21 reminds us of the ways wisdom benefits our body, soul, and Spirit. And especially how trusting God is the real secret to a good night's sleep and anxiety-free living:

"Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don't for a minute lose sight of them. They'll keep your soul alive and well, they'll keep you fit and attractive. You'll travel safely, you'll neither tire nor trip. You'll take afternoon naps without a worry; you'll enjoy a good night's sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner, Because God will be right there with you; he'll keep you safe and sound" (Proverbs 3:21-26 MSG).