Peace in the midst

Last night, I had a fairly restless night.  I've been falling asleep early, waking up around 1AM, and being wide awake.  Once my body gets up, my mind starts to run away and sound sleep feels far from possible.  I read once that counting backwards by 3, starting at a high number like 500, can help to quiet thoughts, but nothing seemed to help. 

I had a fascinating experience in the middle of tossing and turning.  For some reason, I was trying to recall a passage of scripture that describes Jesus resting.  The ones where he slips away to pray came to mind, but did not seem to ease my racing thoughts. 

A little while later, I was reminded of Jesus in the boat with the disciples.  A great storm arises, the ship is beginning to sink, and they are distraught to find Jesus sound asleep below deck.  (Found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.)  What captured my mind was that even in the midst of a great storm, Jesus is resting.  Though the wind and the water create violent disruption, the world quite literally turning upside down, He is able to remain at peace and rest. 

This site gives insight into the power of this experience, that it clarifies the humanity of Jesus, that the significant work of ministry accomplished daily requires powerful rest and renewal.  Even Christ our Lord was able to quiet His mind enough to be at peace, even in the midst of surrounding storms. 

How am I clinging to what I can control, what I feel so led to think through and process, rather than surrendering daily my hopes, dreams, agenda, plans, ambition, and pride to the one who is more than able to care for every need.  How many verses speak to the need to cast our cares upon the Lord, for he cares for us...to share His yoke, which is light.  May I remember always that sleep at night is just as necessary for fruitful ministry as anything I do during the day.