I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
In 1985, the Christmas season found me in search of a treasure—a peaceful night’s sleep. A good night’s rest had evaded me ever since I had been electrocuted on the head when lightning hit my home while I was using a curling iron. I kept trying to do all the things I had learned in rehab to ensure a good night’s sleep, but it continued to elude me.
One night before I began my usual wrestling rounds with the sand man, I was watching a Christmas program on television. I was caught by surprise at the peaceful feeling that came over me as I listened to a performer sing a familiar Christmas carol, “Silent Night.” I closed my eyes, snuggled down into my comfy chair, and I let the words of this classic song speak to my soul.
Suddenly a soft, holy voice from within my heart began to speak directly to the child inside me, “You can sleep in heavenly peace. Trust me with your hurts and disappointments, your fears and doubts. Sleep in heavenly peace.” Tears of relief and joy slid down my checks as I repeated the words out loud, “Sleep in heavenly peace.”
I began to realize I had been holding on to a lot of hurt and grief since my accident, carrying broken dreams, hospital stays, rehab, and too many doctor visits to count. It was time to let Jesus carry the weight of my burdens and rest in Him.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Crystal Y. Hathcock , Guest Blogger
Crystal Hathcock and her husband Tony, live in Liberty, South Carolina and have been married for thirty-two years. They have two puppies, Hankie and Calvin. Crystal is a freelance writer, a student with the Christian Writer’s Guild and writes religious articles for the area’s local newspaper. She enjoys cooking for family and friends, couponing, jewelry making and singing.
