Colin Snow
The Bible makes no explicit reference to sleeping during the day, but it does offer some guidance on sleep more generally. Sleep is referred to within multiple contexts throughout scripture stories and teachings. The Bible deems sleep to be good, and it is seen as a time when God can produce good without any human involvement. However, the Bible also warns against sleeping too much, and sleeping at the wrong time. For example, in Proverbs, it says: Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep is good | Sleep is deemed good as it is necessary for the human body to re-energize, heal and prepare for the following day. |
| Sleep can be misused | Sin can corrupt sleep. The Bible refers to sleeping too much as a sin and a sign of laziness. |
| Sleep at the wrong time is bad | Sleeping at the wrong time is mentioned in the Bible, for example, when Jesus' disciples fell asleep instead of praying. |
| Sleep is a result of faith | The Bible says that the more you trust God, the less anxiety you will have, and thus you will be able to fall asleep peacefully. |
What You'll Learn
Sleep is good
The Bible says that God made humans with the need and capability of sleep. In Genesis 2:20-22, God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, God took one of his ribs and created Eve. Sleep is good because it allows our bodies to re-energize, heal, and prepare for the good works God has planned for the following day.
The Bible also says that the more you trust God, the less anxiety and restless thoughts you will have, and thus the easier you will be able to fall asleep. When we are anxious, worrisome, and feel that our world turns because we wake up and make it turn with our hard work, is it any wonder why we find it difficult to fall asleep?
The Bible says that God never sleeps. He watches over us so that we can experience sweet and pleasant sleep. Even Jesus needed time to rest. In Mark 4:38, for example, Jesus was asleep in the stern while his disciples panicked. Jesus could sleep and be at ease when everyone else was panicking because he had faith.
The Bible also reveals that God sometimes speaks to believers through dreams or night visions as they sleep. In Genesis 46:2, for instance, Joseph is told through a dream that God would be with him in Egypt.
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Sleep can be misused
The Bible says that sleep is good, but it also says a lot about misusing sleep in sinful ways. The Bible never says that sleep itself is bad, but it does say that sleeping too much is a problem. In Proverbs 20:13, the Bible warns against loving sleep, as it can lead to poverty. Similarly, Proverbs 6:9-11 asks, "How long will you lie there, O sluggard?" indicating that sleeping when one should be working is a sin.
The Bible also speaks of sleeping at the wrong times, such as when one should be praying or reading the Bible. For example, in Matthew 26:40-46, Jesus rebukes his disciples for sleeping instead of watching and praying to avoid temptation. While sleeping instead of physically working is condemned in the Bible, sleeping instead of spending time with God is considered even more hurtful.
Additionally, the Bible warns against sleeping to avoid facing troubles. In contrast, the Bible encourages believers to trust in God and cast their anxieties upon Him when worried or unable to sleep.
Furthermore, the Bible teaches that there are times when sleep must be sacrificed for a greater spiritual good. Jesus often prayed all night and rose early to pray, recognizing that communion with God is sometimes more necessary than physical rest.
In conclusion, while sleep is generally viewed as a positive and necessary part of life in the Bible, it can be misused through sleeping too much, sleeping at the wrong times, or using sleep to avoid facing problems or spending time with God.
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Sleeping at the wrong time
The Bible says that sleeping at the wrong time is a sin. While it does not say how much sleep we should get, it does say a lot about misusing sleep.
The Bible gives examples of sleeping at the wrong time, such as when Jesus found his disciples sleeping in the garden of Gethsemane when they should have been praying and preparing for the trials ahead. Jesus did not condemn them for sleeping too much but for sleeping at the wrong time. He said, "Sleep and take your rest later on" (Matthew 26:45).
Another example is when Jesus slept in a boat during a storm on the Sea of Galilee. In contrast to his frazzled disciples, Jesus' sleep was an expression of trust in his heavenly Father.
The Bible also says that sleeping in place of prayer is a misuse of sleep. Jesus told Peter, "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).
Additionally, sleeping when you should be working is also considered sinful. Proverbs 6:9-11 warns that one who sleeps when they should be working will come to poverty.
Therefore, while sleep is important and necessary for rest and restoration, the Bible cautions against sleeping at the wrong time, as it can be a hindrance to our spiritual growth, work ethic, and relationship with God.
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Sleep is the result of faith and trust in God
Sleep is a gift from God and is good. It is a time for the sovereign God to reign and produce good without any human involvement. It is a daily reminder of our dependence on God. When we sleep, we allow our bodies to re-energise, heal, and prepare for the good works God has planned for the following day.
However, sin can corrupt everything good that God has made, including sleep. When sleep is turned into a sin, the Bible calls it laziness or slothfulness. The Bible says that sleeping too much is a common problem. Proverbs 20:13 says: "Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake, and you will have food to spare."
The Bible also says that we can sleep at the wrong times, slumbering instead of doing important things. For example, Jesus slept while his disciples stayed awake and prayed before his crucifixion. Jesus said, "Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners."
The Bible teaches that there is a time to sacrifice sleep for a greater spiritual good. Jesus regularly rose early to pray and even prayed all night.
The more you trust God, the less anxiety and restless thoughts you will have, and thus the easier you will be able to fall asleep. When we are anxious, worrisome, and feel that our world turns because we wake up and make it turn with our hard work, it is no wonder that we find it difficult to fall asleep.
Jesus could sleep and be at ease when everyone else was panicking because he had faith. Faith is the key to a good night's rest. Jesus prayed when everyone else was asleep, which allowed him to sleep when everyone else was in panic.
So, the Bible says that sleeping is the result of faith and trust in God.
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Sleep is necessary for physical restoration
The Bible also says that God never sleeps. He watches over us so that we can experience sweet and pleasant sleep. Even Jesus needed time to rest.
The Bible says that sleeping is the result of faith and trust in God. The more you trust God, the less anxiety and restless thoughts you will have, and thus the easier you will be able to fall asleep.
The Bible also talks about how to fall asleep quickly and how to get good rest. It says that the key to a good night's rest is to pray and meditate on God's word. When we pray, we calm our souls and put ourselves safely in God's hands.
The Bible also teaches us that there is a time to sacrifice sleep for a greater spiritual good. Jesus regularly rose early to pray and even prayed all night on occasion.
In conclusion, sleep is necessary for physical restoration. It is a time when our bodies can heal and re-energize. It is also a time when we can trust in God and experience His peace and presence.
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Frequently asked questions
The Bible does not explicitly mention sleeping during the day, but it does emphasise the importance of rest and sleep. It suggests that sleeping can be a result of faith and trust in God, and that God will protect and guide believers while they sleep.
The Bible warns against sleeping too much, as it may lead to poverty and a lack of productivity. It encourages believers to find a balance between rest and work, trusting that God will provide for their needs.
The Bible mentions that sleeping at certain times may be inappropriate, such as when one should be working or praying. It highlights the importance of prioritising spiritual growth and communion with God over physical rest.
The Bible associates excessive sleeping with laziness and slothfulness. It encourages believers to be disciplined and hardworking, recognising that rest is important, but too much sleep can be a sign of spiritual disengagement.
