Habit #2: Do Not Go to Sleep Without Making a Place for God
“I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Until I found out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob” (Psalm 132: 4 & 5).
Many years ago I found myself reciting a certain verse over and over to myself: “I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Until I found out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob” (Psalm 132: 4 & 5). I taught it to the children and then made it into a song that my girls and I enjoyed singing for some time (and I still do today!):
“I will not (I will not) close my eyes (close my eyes);
I will not (I will not) slumber (slumber).
Til I’ve made a place (’til I’ve made a place)…
For the God of Jacob (for the God of Jacob)
‘Til I’ve made a place (’til I’ve made a place)
For my Lord (for my Lord).
Til I’ve made a place (’til I’ve made a place)…
For the God of Jacob (for the God of Jacob)
‘Til I’ve made a place (’til I’ve made a place)
For my Lord.”
Jacob was just a toddler at that time, and he, of course, thought we were singing about him–and often asked for the “Jakie song.” However, for me, it became a nightly prayer/song. No matter what my day held; no matter how busy and hectic it was; no matter how I felt about this or that–I was telling the Lord that I would not go to sleep until I had cleared my mind and heart for Him.
I have had different Bible and devotional reading habits through the years, including reading to and with the kids most days, but regardless of my reading routines, this song/verse calms me and reminds me to stop what I am doing and make room for the most important thing—the Lord living within me.
How can you make room for the Lord everyday/every night? Some may feel that they are creating a place for God if they study the Bible before bed. Others might feel that they are clearing a path for him through family prayer or praying with your spouse. Regardless of what you do, do not close your eyes; do not slumber…until you’ve made a place for the Lord.
