God Gives Sweet Rest

For about a month, the studio where my wife and I lived was very quiet until someone moved into the studio above us. The bedroom that once was a wonderful retreat was now invaded by heavy footsteps thundering overhead. Over the next several days there has been a lot of movement with objects being dropped on the floor. On a Saturday morning I awake to sounds above me stirring to life. I struggle to fall back asleep after an exhausting week.

I'm very sensitive to noise which can easily agitate and annoy me to point I become very anxious even depressed if I'm not able to control it. My wife tells me that I have "watch dog ears" that perk up at every sound. All the while sounds don't trouble or disturb her in anyway. Perhaps what troubles me the most is why people are not aware of the noise they make and how it effects those around them when living in such a confined space.

I became so agitated I took the elevator to the next floor and pasted a note on the door asking them to be considerate of the noise they were creating. I had my wife read it beforehand to ensure it was polite but clear to what I was requesting.

It was then I felt the Lord put a finger on a place in my life. A place where I've not known peace but anxiety and turmoil. In a time of prayer I read Proverbs 3:21-23, "My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (NIV).

Anger, it says in the Scripture, lies in the bosom of a fool. I'd been foolish, losing any sound judgment, in responding to this problem. I repented and felt God's peace flood my heart. Over the next few days the noise has dropped significantly and I'm able to sleep. Though I still have moments where I catch myself when I hear a sound to ask God for help. Each time He has visited me with rest, both in my mind and at night.