Something must have startled me. I woke up in the middle of the night wondering what was going on… Forcing my eyes to open I attempted to look for the time projected on the ceiling by my alarm clock located beside my bed – 12:45 AM. I closed my eyes and attempted to return to my slumber. But I know I have a bad track record when this occurs. All of a sudden, my mind is invaded by uninvited information prompting an immediate response: I feel thirsty/I had plenty of water last evening; I feel cold/it is probably at least 72° in this room; I have an itch deep within my ear/it will (hopefully) go away in a few minutes… Piddly problems!

Trivial thoughts are followed by troublesome ones. I recall an unpleasant interaction with the family member. Not only am I saddened that it occurred, but disappointed with how was handled by each of us who were involved. Beginning to pray for my wife, immediate family and myself, I momentarily doze off. Regaining consciousness I recall a quote someone posted on Facebook: “If you could lose your salvation – you would.” (John MacArthur) Again I slip back into sleep.

I awake thinking of the awful prospect of being at odds with God. Scripture contains many warnings. Here is one from Jesus and another one from the apostle Paul:

““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21–23)

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Alarming thoughts are replaced by comforting ones: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:28–30)

 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31)

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:14, 15)

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:27–29)

Pondering these gracious promises, I fell into a deep, restful sleep… Praise God for his grace.