12/23/20

"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 1:20)
"INSOMNIA"
Joseph had a lot on his mind. He was 'feathering the nest' in preparation for his upcoming nuptials, which is enough to think about. And he had a business to manage, as well. Who knows if he didn't have a "crazy" brother-in-law that was married to his sister? And, if you throw in some aging parents, and the Roman invaders, well, you have more than enough troubles to think upon.
But, now, you find out that your wife is with child, and you are not the father. Wait, there is more. Mary tells him that the child is the Messiah!
"But while he thought on these things,..." (v. 20) Don't you know that he would lie there in bed until he would finally throw the covers back in frustration and utter defeat, and then walk the floor, not knowing what to do!
We have all been there before. The night can be a torment when our minds are troubled, and our hearts are burdened. The darkness seems to become a prison, and our thoughts become our jailer. The devil whispers into our ears the word, HOPELESS.
The night time is prayer time when you cannot sleep. Undoubtedly, Joseph must have been praying. "...behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream,..." (v. 20)
When you pray at night, I'm convinced that the devil rocks you off to sleep, just to shut you up! In Joseph's sleep, he dreamed. But it was a good dream. The angel of the Lord came to him, and called him by his name, saying, "...fear not..."
In that moment, God put His loving arms around Joseph, and 'shushed' his broken and troubled heart, like a loving mother, or an attentive father. "Joseph, don't be afraid. I have this!"
Then the angel explained unto him how he was to be used in God's plan to save the world from their sin!
Perhaps you are broken hearted, are worn down, by the cares of this life? You may have had a restless night, last night. You may not be able to do your work for the thoughts that plague you. Bring your troubles to the Lord, and leave them there!
Pray to the Lord, and you will find the morning has sprung, and the Day Star shines in your darkness. You will find rest for your weary heart and soul.
From my heart to your heart.