Laurel is sleeping better since we’ve been home, thankfully. For some reason, being in her own room and on her own sheepskin with her own fuzzy blanket and pacifier made a difference. I’m thankful to be getting more sleep. This morning, I was awake enough as Lee got ready for work to actually lie in bed and plan my day. What luxury!

But what is a sleep deprived mother to do? She needs sleep, desperately. But she also needs the restoration of the still waters of God’s Word.

Is the sleep deprivation merely an excuse? Could be. When I was in college, I thought I’d be spiritual and get up at 5:30 to spend time reading my Bible and in prayer. After a few mornings of sleeping in the student lounge with a Bible on my lap, I started to despair of ever finding the time I wanted to read the Bible and pray. A wise teacher addressed some of this tension by acknowledging that in some seasons of our life we have less time than others to study the Word of God. His challenge was to examine what we did when we had more time– on weekends or during Christmas break, for example. Then we could better assess our desires and motives. I failed that test.

Regardless of our motives, having limited time means that we have to prioritize what we read. When you don’t have much time to read, spending fifteen minutes in Leviticus isn’t likely to restore your soul and prepare you for the day. It may be helpful during those times to read specific passages repeatedly during those times of discouragement (like when I’m feeling desperate for sleep), instead of “reading through the Bible.” Once I read a single chapter repeatedly for an entire month. But that chapter, Isaiah 43, was the balm of Gilead for my need at that time.

Now, when I need a reset or feel discouraged about being a mom, I read Psalm 78. When I’m not desiring the Bible, I read Psalm 119. There are others, but these in particular help me think on God and his grace and power in my life. Sometimes I feel bad that I’m not doing extensive Bible studies (consulting Bible lexicons and commentaries), or spending hours in the Word of God, but then I remember that God has given me a season of life that makes this well nigh impossible. Now that baby is sleeping better, the next season just might be in view.

What passages are restorative for you?

Similar Posts:

• Busy Moms Finding Joy in God’s Word
• Finding Wisdom to Teach Repentance
• Parents or Bible?
• Potty Training Verses
• Reading the Bible

Popularity: 12% [?]

Filed under: Bedtime, Mom Time