We often think that when we go to bed, the day is done. But God’s day continues! Our Communications Director and first-time mom, Julie Garey, shares her experience with asking God to continue His work through the night.

“I never thought much about God continuing to work after I go to sleep until my son, Jack, was born. Like most new moms, I worried about everything. Was he too hot? Was he too cold? Was he hungry? Was he too full? Was he bored? But the thing I worried about the most was letting him sleep without me watching over him all night.

Starting out, he slept in a bassinet beside my bed. The first week we were home, I made my husband sleep with the light on so I could stay up and watch Jack as he slept. I would work on crossword puzzles or read a book, nodding off here and there. Eventually, I allowed myself to get some sleep but insisted we leave the TV on so I could see him easily in the middle of the night. Finally, I realized he was going to be ok, so we were able to turn out the light completely.

I have always been a control freak, so this was a big deal for me. I had to learn that as much as I want to be in charge of every little thing, I have to step back and trust that God will do the work that He promises to do, even without my input.

Now, every night before I go to bed, I pray over Jack. I pray that as he grows he knows God, loves God, and lives for God. I pray for his safety, his health, and his happiness. And then I admit to God that, even though I’d love to be able to stay up and keep watching over Jack, I do need to rest so I can have the energy to give him the best possible care during the day. And he’ll be walking any day now, so I need all of the energy I can get! Then I ask God to watch over him in the moments when I can’t, such as when I’m asleep, and thank Him for helping me watch over him during the day.

I still check on Jack occasionally in the middle of the night. Each time I do, I thank God for that beautiful baby he’s given me and for walking beside me as I navigate this new adventure of motherhood. And that includes encouraging me to rest and allowing Him to take over for a little while.”


In what areas of your life are you not trusting God enough to let go so you can rest? Spend some time identifying those areas and lifting them up to God.