Surrendered Sleep
A Biblical Perspective
Dr. Charles W. Page
www.surrenderedsleep.com
Publisher: Camino Real Pub.
ISBN-10: 9-780-983-138105
ISBN-13: 978-0-9831381-0-5
Release Date: 9/15/2011
Paperback: 189 pages
Retail: $14.95
(Nacogdoches, TX) Sleep Clinics. Sleeping Pills. Sleep Systems. With all the focus on sleep, it’s obvious to anyone breathing (or not—in the case of sleep apnea) that sleep disorders are on everyone’s minds. Can’t fall asleep. Can’t stay asleep. So many problems, but so few zzzs.
Dr. Charles W. Page has been plagued with sleep deprivation his entire adult life. Whether from the rigorous unpredictable lifestyle of a general surgeon or dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Page sees sleep as a precious commodity. Many of his surgical patients also report sleep problems on their medical histories. It’s certainly a widespread problem.
Although there is extensive medical literature regarding sleep, insomnia and sleep disorders, there is little instruction about these issues from a Christian worldview. Sleep was God’s idea—why shouldn’t we go to the One who created rest in the first place for answers to our sleep problems. One of the reasons Dr. Page wrote Surrendered Sleep was to heighten people’s awareness of the spiritual side of sleep issues, which often goes neglected in health and medical literature.
Sample Chapter:
CHAPTER 17
Balin Jam
Balin jam (“may you pass your night in peace”)—it’s how the Fulani people of western Africa say goodbye. This Fulani expression best captures the message of this book. Passing your night in peace, from a biblical perspective, involves a whole lot more than sleeping well. It encompasses surrendering every aspect of sleep to God. The prerequisite for having peace as we lay down to sleep is a growing, vibrant relationship with God. Everything in our lives, including sleep, flows out of our pursuit of our loving Father in Heaven. The ability to sleep is a multifaceted gift given by God, who likewise pursues a love relationship with every individual on this planet.
From God’s perspective, sleep (or its absence) is a tool designed to help fulfill His agenda in our lives and in His world. Our response should be twofold. First we must transfer our focus off our personal sleep issues and onto the Shepherd of sleep. We must fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Second, we need to relinquish control of sleep and allow God to shape our hearts into His image. In so doing, we may find that we sleep better.
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” A life of surrendered sleep is characterized by the ability to discern the time and seasons that God has prepared for us, and respond with a heart of thankfulness and obedience.
At times we may experience peaceful sleep because we are pursuing a wise heart. Let it propel us on to greater heights of service. When we encounter storms that threaten to steal our sleep, let us cling to God’s presence and promises with a calm heart. If disobedience presents itself in our sleep patterns, we must return to the One who removes our sin as far as the east is from the west. If God interrupts our sleep to call, instruct or intervene in our lives, our hearts must respond in obedience.
Similarly, there are times when we must offer up to God a sacrifice of our sleep. And last, if we suffer intractable insomnia and unrest, let us move forward with a peace that passes all understanding. For an enduring and expectant heart knows that our reward and perfection is waiting just around the bend.
Surrender your heart to the One whose eyes never close. Allow Him to keep you and help you to “pass your nights in peace.”
Balin jam!
My Review:
This book explores an often neglected aspect of sleep disorders. Since sleep is such an important aspect of our lives (we spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping or at least trying to, in my case.) Things like worry, fear, etc., often interfere with our thought life and carry over disrupting our sleep. This book helped me to take inventory to see where maybe there might be conflicts interfering with my sleep and/or was God using this season of sleeplessness to draw me closer to Him. Beyond the spiritual causes, traditional medical treatment of insomnia are also explored including medical reasons for sleeplessness. Tips for good sleep hygiene and pages to copy for a sleep journal are included. I especially appreciated the wide margins containing pertinent bible verses and places to journal your responses.
I received a "Unedited Review Copy" for free for participating in this blog tour.
Grand Prize Giveaway
Read Below How to Enter
Surrendered Sleep Products
Surrendered Sleep - Book
Surrendered Sleep - 8-Volume DVD Series
Sleep Songs - CD of music from Fletch Wiley
SLEEP - Lavender Vanilla Aromatherapy from Bath & BodyWorks
Pillow Mist (4 oz)
Body Wash & Foam Bath (2 oz)
Lotion (2 oz)
Candle (1.6 oz)
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