Sleep in Heaven?
Scripture Reading — Revelation 21:1-5
“‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Have you ever wondered if we will sleep in heaven?
We already know that all creatures need sleep and that God in his mysterious wisdom created in us the need for sleep. Further, we can assume that the need for sleep isn’t because of sin.
So will we sleep in heaven? The Bible reveals that some basic things in human society, like marriage, will end when we are living in God’s presence forever. But what about sleeping and other basic human functions that we might enjoy in this earthly life? We can say with certainty that if sleep is a problem in this life, it’s the result of other challenges we face in our fallen world. But since the Bible doesn’t actually tell us, we don’t know if we will need sleep in heaven.
Although we have to live with that uncertainty now, we can live confidently with a sure and lasting promise. In heaven, when we live in the presence of the Lord, all that ails us now will be a thing of the past. Until then, our future hope should fill us with confidence as we trust and serve God by day and lie down to sleep at night.
Father, by your wisdom we have been fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us to trust you in all things, including our sleep, as we serve you and wait to be with you in heaven. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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