Over the last three days, I have felt a significant fatigue. And while I did go for a COVID-19 test today (which came back negative) I also recognize that whenever I come upon a stressful situation (like an international mission trip, turning in my dissertation, or other matters that involve a bit of uncertainty when it comes to suggesting change), my body reacts by demanding me to stop and rest.

And this is a gift, I believe.

Every night we sleep. At various times in our lives, we find ourselves sick, either physically, emotionally, relationally, mentally, or spiritually.

And on every occasion, these remind us that we are not God. The Psalmist reminds us that God never sleeps so to provide unceasing care over His beloved.

He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:3-4).

But also that God gives us rest.

Unless the Lord builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
    for he gives to his beloved sleep (Psalm 127:1-2).

Yes, He gives His beloved sleep. We believe often that we should forego rest in order to accomplish more. In reality, God reminds us that sleep will help you accomplish more in the long run–for God builds the house.

There is only so much one can do during a day, a week, a month. Rest for the long haul. God is God and you are not.

Rest in Him.