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Over 50 years ago, as a young, struggling college student, I memorized a verse that has affected me dramatically to this day.

*A little sleep, a little slumber,*

*A little folding of the hands to rest,*

*Then your poverty will come as a robber*

*and your want like an armed man. (Proverbs 24:33–34)*

In those days, I was having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. I had tried to establish the habit of meeting with God early each day. Every time I did, it was precious and valuable. I had watched older believers and realized this was a foundational key to their godliness.

But … I was a typical college student, staying up late for various reasons, and getting up in the morning was a challenge.

THE POWER OF THE WORD

The Word of God is powerful. It is sharper than a two-edged sword. We are commanded to hide it in our hearts so that we may not “sin against God.”

I had begun trying to memorize Scripture more regularly, so I committed this passage to memory.

It would be impossible for me to express how many thousands of times, in the early morning hours, this Scripture has pulled me out of bed.

I lie there, wanting to roll over and get just another hour or so of sleep, and the words come …

*A little sleep …*

I know the Lord is waiting.

I have an appointment.

And I know that I will be the poorer if I don’t heed His gentle nudge.

YEARS OF JOY

My wife says to me periodically as I age, “You ought to sleep a little later.”

But the reality is, everything of value in my life flows out of my mornings with the Lord.

It is my source, my foundation, my fountain, my treasure—to meet with God there.

The older I get, the more time I need.

Now that I am not pushed as much by early morning meetings, I’m discovering the richness of *unhurried* time.

Time to enter His presence, read and study His Word, write what He prompts, and pray.

Blessed sabbath every day.

I’m grateful for God’s Word.

Colossians 1, which exalts the supremacy of Christ.

Romans, which explains the beauty and logic of the gospel.

Genesis, which tells us of first things.

But I also love that God speaks through a simple little verse, just to get me out of bed to meet with Him.

And more than 50 years later, I’m still grateful for that gentle reminder.

Because what I’ve gained in those mornings with Him is worth far more than the sleep I’ve surrendered.

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