Sleepless in Egypt
I wonder if Joseph had had an Oura Ring or an Apple Watch what his sleep scores would have looked like. Joseph certainly had lots of ups and downs in his life. And once he was in the position of second in command in Egypt, did all of his responsibilities interrupt his sleep efficiency? What about his stress indicators and heart rates? The relief and the anxiety of seeing his brothers, of hearing of his father’s old age, and knowing that if he didn’t get all of his family to Egypt they would die of starvation. Did he get any good REM sleep during that season of life?
The research and the medical community tell us how important our sleep is to recovering from illness, thinking clearly, and our overall all well-being. Yet we all know that when we are facing great difficulties, the long hours and stress can impact our sleep.
Have you noticed how many products, books, and medications there are that are geared toward helping us get a good night’s sleep? What is the secret to finally getting the rest we need? Is it a new mattress? An eye mask to keep the light out? Maybe ambient noise? A nightly dose of melatonin or magnesium? Or an anti-snoring device for your spouse?! (I should clarify that my wife would suggest that it is me and not her that might need relief from the snoring!)
There are many reasons why we might struggle with our sleep and with the inner turmoil that comes when we don’t get enough rest. I wondered about all of this as I read Genesis the first two weeks of the year. The ups and downs of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’s journeys, and then the rise and fall and rise again of Joseph’s journey that culminates with his family coming to Egypt.
Joseph’s brothers were likely not sleeping well when they realized that their father Jacob had died. The scripture records their next thoughts and plans in Genesis 50:17: “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” The brothers then sent a message to Joseph hoping that he would respond peacefully.
“Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.” And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.”
Joseph’s response is filled with mercy, grace, and a clear understanding that it is God who is in control. It is the Lord who works all things together for his good purposes and for our good as well.
But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus, he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”
I am speculating that Joseph generally slept better than his brothers most nights. And the reason for his ability to sleep was that he had learned the hard way, like most of us do, that when we place all our lives in the hands and care of our loving heavenly Father we can rest.
The ending of Psalm 4 contains a beautiful reminder that in a world filled with chaos and strife that causes us to wonder if there is any good in the world, David states a clear and direct prayer that we can pray even today:
“Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
The result of our petition to our gracious God will be the same as the psalmist experienced: “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Father, forgive us when we agonize over things we cannot control. We surrender our lives, our hurts, our unfinished business, and our hope into your hands. Thank you for the peace and comfort that you are sending our way today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
You’re Time with God’s Word
Genesis 50:15, 17-21; Psalm 4:6-8 ESV
Photo by Jimmy Larry on Unsplash
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