Sleep: Preparing for the next day.
He (Jesus) saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets (Mark 1:19).
Levels of cortisol in our bodies, often called the stress hormone, decrease during the first few hours of sleep before rising to a high point soon after waking up. This equips us to be ready for the day and switches on our appetites. This beneficial feature of sleep reminds us to plan and prepare for each new day. There will always be things that surprise us. But if we plan ahead for those things we expect, we live more settled, peaceful and less tiring lives, and are more prepared for the unexpected.
Daniel is an excellent example of how to prepare, act and reflect on the busyness of life. He served in the highest office, but he ensured that his days were governed, not by the kings he served, but by the God he worshipped. The fact that he was exiled from his homeland changed nothing. Whatever his circumstances, in the palace or in the lions’ den, he lifted up his heart to God in prayer. We read,
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days (Daniel 6:10).
I doubt there were many people as busy as Daniel. But he made time to be in the presence of God. I always like to think that he began by preparing for the day. He paused in the middle of the day for strength for, and guidance in, the actions he took. Finally, he reflected upon what he had done, committing himself to God with a thankful heart. For all the weight of his responsibility, I don’t get the feeling Daniel ever had a bad night’s sleep.
Also, while you’re sleeping, your immune system releases small proteins. If you’re sick or injured, these proteins help your body fight inflammation, infection and trauma. Without enough sleep, your immune system might not be able to function at its best. We need to repair things. I am old enough to remember when my Grandmother used to knit woollen socks. And I can also recall warm winter nights sitting quietly beside a roaring coal fire, watching my Grandmother repairing or darning woollen socks which had holes. She used to say, “There’s no shame in a darned sock.” In Mark 1:19 Jesus saw James and John, his brother, repairing their nets. I grew up in Hull when it had one of the largest fishing fleets in the world. Fishing is hard, tiring, backbreaking and dangerous work. To be a successful fisherman, you need good nets and have to take care of them. When the Lord called James and John, they were not fishing; they were repairing their nets. They took care of what their livelihoods depended on.
In our anxiety to be active, let us not forget to quietly ensure we are equipped for the work we are called to do. Let’s make sure we are not fishing with broken nets. Preparation begins in the Lord’s presence. Never forget His words to Israel as they began their wilderness journey, “I am the Lord, your healer” (Exodus 15:26, ESV). He makes bitter waters sweet and brings calmness to our days.
