“Cry Havoc! And release the dogs of war!” This is a line from Mark Anthony in Shakespear’s play, Julius Ceasar.

 

It’s been stuck in my head lately. Since I returned a week ago from my trip to see my family in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve had a terrible time sleeping. Which is not like me. I’m usually a very good sleeper. I say my nighttime prayers, put my head on the pillow and then I’m pretty much out for the night.

 

But since I returned a week ago from my most recent trip to see my family in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve had a terrible time sleeping. It’s like my internal clock is all out of whack. And it’s creating havoc in my life. I sleep fitfully, waking up several times during the night and then I lay there, finding it hard to get back to sleep.

 

During the day I feel drowsy, grumpy and my brain doesn’t work. My work schedule is always busy but it’s especially busy after a week away. I have much to do on my to-do list. It feels like the dogs of war have been released.

 

So, yesterday I Googled “Psalms that help you sleep.” I figured that since I’m awake at night I could pray them and maybe that would help.

 

And Google gave me a load of verses, not just verses from the Psalms but also other verses from both the Old and New Testament. The ones below are just a few I thought I’d share with you, just in case you’re having trouble sleeping, too. That’s one of the wonderful things about Scripture. It’s always there when you need it.

 

“In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

 

“I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me.” Psalm 3:5

 

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

 

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:25

 

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

 

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” Psalm 91:1-2

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

 

Yours in the journey,

Pastor Kristen

​

 

                                        Announcements: 

 

Saturday's October 4th event of Bingo and Baked Goods has been canceled. 

 

The next Women Club meeting will be held this Monday, October 6th, in the narthex, at 1:30p. All are welcome to attend. 

 

Our Church Conference will be held on Tuesday, November 18th, in the Sanctuary, at 2p. All are encouraged to attend. 

 

The Crete United Methodist Thrift Shop is open Saturdays, from 9-30p.

​