August 14: A Name That Keeps You Awake
It’s late. Everyone’s asleep. And one name on your list keeps circling in your head. What you did. What they said. What you’ll say if you ever see them again. Will this ever let you sleep?
“When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.”
David wrote this psalm in the wilderness, likely running for his life. He was lying awake too. But look at what he did with the night. I remember you on my bed. I think about you in the night watches. Because you’ve been my help, I’ll sing in the shadow of your wings.
Lying awake with a name is common during Step Eight. Your mind keeps rehearsing. It’s trying to solve something it can’t solve at midnight. And the longer you lie there, the bigger the problem feels.
David turned his night thoughts toward God. Not by forcing the worry away, but by replacing it. He remembered how God had helped him before. He pictured himself safe under God’s wings, like a bird sheltering its chicks.
You can do the same. When the name comes back, pray for that person. Not about what you’ll say to them. Just for them. “God, bless them. Help them sleep tonight too.” Then remember one time God helped you. One time He got you through a bad night. Say thank you for that.
If the name won’t let go, get up and write it down. Write what’s bothering you about it. Then close the notebook and tell God you’ll deal with it in the daytime, with help.
In the morning, tell your sponsor about it. If you use Steps & Scripture, you can bring the name to Jimmy or Sarah too. Names that haunt you at night usually need to be talked about in daylight.
One thing today
If a name keeps you awake tonight, pray a blessing over that person, then thank God for one time He helped you. Repeat as many times as you need.
A prayer
Lord, I’m lying awake again with this name. I’ll remember You instead. You’ve been my help before. Let me rest in the shadow of Your wings tonight. Amen.
Hard names are part of Step Eight. You don’t carry them alone.
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