Be Aware and Trust in God

When my husband deployed to Iraq, he went with the 22MEU, which is considered the green

side of the Navy. I was used to my husband deploying on a big strong ship. This time he would

be boots on the ground with the Marines. Like most military wives, I think we internalize our

emotions in an attempt to normalize the situation. Since the topic of death was taboo, I began

sleepwalking. I would wake up, and I was standing in different parts of my room. I even took my

socks off at night, thinking the cold winter floor would wake me up before I found myself at the

bottom of the stairs. Not knowing what to do, I went and talked to my civilian family doctor. He

was such a good Christian man. He suggested that we go in prayer concerning the issue. If, in a

few weeks, it did not resolve itself, then come back, and we would look at medical reasons.

So, I started talking to God about my issue. Immediately I felt God was leading me to fast from

the news. Every time I wanted to turn on the news and see what was happening in Iraq, I was to

sit down and read God’s word. Let’s just say I flew through the New Testament, and my

sleepwalking ended immediately.

“In peace, I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety

Psalm 4:8.”

As good citizens, I think it is essential to know current events. What we don’t need is people’s

opinions or interpretation of events. If you are like me and your sleep or your mood is being

disturbed by the chaos swirling around the world, you must spend quiet time with God. Just like

our physical body, our spiritual health is impacted by what we feed ourselves. Just this week, I

started to watch a video, and the Holy Spirit quickly quickened me on what I was doing. Now I

am asking God His opinion on all those human proclamations on “good Christian behavior.” The

funny thing is, just like the Psalms says, I sleep in peace, and I am thoroughly enjoying the

conversations with God. Invite God to talk to you about the current events. You will like His

perspective.

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L. Kathleen Cline

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