We’ve arrived. It’s the last day of April and the final posting about the alphabet. It’s been a great journey for me and I now will look forward to April 2016 with great enthusiasm.

As I complete this A to Z challenge, let’s look at the letter ‘”z” and see what God has in store for us. Ms. Marquez’s last idea for boosting happiness and energizing your attitude, she tells us a little snooze might just do the trick. Yes, you’ve guessed it. Z-z-z-z-z. “Studies show that you’re happier on days after you’ve slept well than on days after you’ve slept poorly. And naps deliver a restorative effect that can turn a bad day good.”[i]

So let’s talk about some of our biblical friends who fell asleep and if this idea fit with how their day wound up after their nap.

Adam (Genesis 2:18-25)

If you know this Bible story, you remember that God placed Adam in a deep sleep. While under the effect of this sleep, God removed a rib from Adam and created the first woman, Eve to be Adam’s helpmate.

I would imagine this was the best nap ever. Adam was the only human before the nap and when he woke, there was the woman God specifically made for him. Yes, I think this definitely was a happiness booster!

King Saul (1 Samuel 26)

Saul had taken a dislike to David and wanted him dead. In his pursuit, Saul slept with his guards all around him. As he lay sleeping, David walked into camp, took Saul’s spear and water jug and left without being noticed. David spared Saul’s life and in return asked for the pursuit to stop.

I believe at this moment, King Saul was grateful to David for sparing his life. And because of this one kind act on David’s part, Saul must have been relieved and thankful that he was able to live another day. Another energized attitude for sure.

Jesus (Mark 4:35-41)

During this massive storm, the disciples find Jesus sleeping in the stern of the ship. These seasoned sailors were terrified and wondered how Jesus could possibly sleep instead of caring for the souls aboard this small vessel.

Awakened by his faithless followers, I don’t believe Jesus was feeling particularly good after this sleep. He had to calm nerves and waves. Well, maybe He calmed waves. Scripture tells us the disciples were amazed and fearful.

Lazarus (John 11:1-44)

Lazarus got sick. Lazarus died. Jesus said that Lazarus had “fallen asleep.” Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. The glory of God was revealed.

I wonder what Lazarus thought during those final moments of life. Did he question Jesus’ actions as Mary and Martha did? Were his thoughts about heaven and the Kingdom of God? I don’t know, but what I do know is that Lazarus obeyed Jesus’ voice and was alive again. What a good day that must have been!

Disciples (Matthew 26:36-46)

You know this story well. After a wonderful week of celebrations, teaching, intimate moments and prayer, Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane. There, Jesus asked them to pray with Him. The problem was, it was the middle of the night. These followers just couldn’t keep their eyes open. Three times the Lord found them sleeping. Three times He asked them to pray with Him. And then, it was over.

I’m sure if the disciples knew for sure what was going to happen that night and over the next few days that they would have stayed awake. They would have fought harder to listen to what Jesus had to say. But instead, they fell asleep. It really wasn’t a good night for them.

Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12)

Paul was speaking to a group of believers and because he was going away the next day, he spoke through the night. Scripture says he talked on and on. There was so much to say and very little time. As the night went on, Eutychus fell into a deep sleep, fell out of a third story window and died. Heartbroken, Paul performed a miracle and brought Eutychus back to life.

Can you imagine how this young man must have felt when he opened his eyes? He must have woke up during the fall and knew it was end for him. I might venture to guess that he was feeling pretty energized after this experience. It was a good day (or should I say night) for Eutychus!

Here are six stories about falling asleep. But what I really have to ask is are you asleep spiritually? Are you one of the walking dead (not the TV show)? What do you need to do to boost spiritual life of yours?

I pray that you are listening to the Master’s voice. That when you hear Him you obey His words and look to be restored to abundant life through Jesus. Don’t let another day go by without seeking the One who can give real meaning to your life. Wake up!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,” Jennifer Rainey Marquez, Good Housekeeping, Vol. 260, No. 4, page 115.