My husband and I were commit ted to having a "people ministry." We longed to bring Christ's good news to needy people and to be good news through our day-to-day involvement with them. The snag was that I was "working the nightshift" as well by carrying people's burdens to bed with me. My restless nights often immobilized me during the day.

One night as I was getting ready for bed, I was thinking about my burdens and what to do with them. As I laid aside each piece of clothing, I decided to lay aside each concern, one by one. Then, as I put on my comfortable robe, I felt released from people's burdens and ready to rest. At first I felt guilty and uncaring. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me that God neither slumbers nor sleeps. If God wanted me to be involved during the night, He would let me know. Otherwise, while I slept and refreshed myself, I knew that He would sit up all night and keep watch over my every concern.

If you're a believer, you too have a "people ministry." But remember, you don't need to work the nightshift. Instead, practice laying aside your concerns daily, like pieces of apparel. Then wrap yourself in the reassuring robe of God's keeping power and rest awhile.  — Joanie Yoder