Morning Devotional 120425 Arise and Shine

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

December 4, 2025 

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11

4 But you aren’t in darkness, brothers and sisters, so the day won’t catch you by surprise like a thief. 5 All of you are children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to night or darkness. 6 So then, let’s not sleep like the others, but let’s stay awake and stay sober. 7 People who sleep sleep at night, and people who get drunk get drunk at night. 8 Since we belong to the day, let’s stay sober, wearing faithfulness and love as a piece of armor that protects our body and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 God didn’t intend for us to suffer his wrath but rather to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him. 11 So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.

Good Morning! Awake, O Sleeper!

Most days, I wake up feeling refreshed.  However, I have days when I feel tired (more tired than when I went to bed) and seem to sleepwalk through the day. What is different between the refreshed and the tired awakenings? I surmise that the difference comes in the quality of my sleep. 

Our current technology allows us to track and monitor our sleep. I, personally, am challenged by this concept. How can I possibly experience a good night’s sleep when “someone” is watching me sleep? What does a graphic showing me when I’m restless do to improve my sleep?

What precipitates a good night’s sleep? Our ability to sleep and ways to improve sleep are unique to each individual. I know people who drink caffeinated beverages from sunup to sundown and sleep like a baby. While others are overstimulated by one cup?

For me, the key is inner peace. I’m restless when I carry anxiety or worry to bed. This worry pervades my sleep, resulting in brain fog the next morning. Peace is a gift offered by God to all who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior. 

Paul tells us that we are “day” people who need to be fully awake in the moment. When you prepare to sleep tonight, give your burdens to God, sleep in peace, and awaken ready to see and share Christ with the world. 

Lord, you bless us abundantly! We long to sleep in heavenly peace. Open our eyes so that we may find the peace that You promise. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Peaceful rest allows us to be fully awake to God’s presence.

Release your worry; sleep; arise and shine for Godl! Pastor Liz