Excerpt from Near in the Night by Emily Ley

Hello friends! We are excited to feature the lovely Emily Ley, a friend of the site, once again. She has a new gem that belongs on your shelf! If you missed her Q&A with us about her book Growing Boldly, read it here.

Ms. Ley’s new book, Near in the Night: 100 Evening Meditations On God’s Peace and Rest (Thomas Nelson, release date Oct. 17), is a book that discusses fear, worries, peace and the promises we find in the Bible that belong to each of us. Different seasons can stress us, and sometimes, it can be hard to stay centered in peace and trust. We all have those moments where we spiral or can’t quite get to sleep as easily. This book is a new treat that you can incorporate into your evening routine that serves as a reminder of God’s lasting promises and His peace that surpasses all understanding.

We hope you join us in celebrating Ms. Ley’s new launch, Near in the Night. As always, pre-ordering helps our author friends. Make sure to pick up a copy. It also makes the perfect holiday gift.

Below is a special sneak peek. A special thanks to Icon Media Group, Ms. Ley and Thomas Nelson for making this possible.

You’re Worthy of a Great Night’s Sleep

By Emily Ley

“The fig tree has ripened its fruit, and the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along!”

SONG OF SOLOMON 2:13 n a s b

Did you know some flowers only bloom at night? As a person with a rather black thumb (seriously, it’s nearly impossible for me to keep a plant alive), I find this fascinating. I know what you might be thinking: What do you mean these flowers only bloom at night? Don’t they need water and sunlight to stay alive? I know, I wondered that too. But it’s true!

Take the evening primrose and the moonflower, for example. Rather than blooming by chance during the night, these flowers purposefully bloom when it’s dark so they don’t have to compete with other flowers for pollinators. Blooming at night helps them to do their very best work at the time that works best for them.

This has encouraged me during seasons of “burning the midnight oil.” There are some seasons when rest looks a little different for me. Instead of my usual 9:00 p.m. bedtime, sometimes I choose to stay up after others have gone to bed to do my work. I’m far less distracted during these hours, and I’m able to accomplish more work in less time than if I’d tried to tackle it during the day with children underfoot and my email constantly pinging.

Like the moonflower and the evening primrose, try to do your work during the time of day that works best for you. And remember, this is only a season. Burning a little midnight oil for a while is not only productive; it can be filled with purpose if it’s also balanced with seasons of rest.

We all struggle to sleep from time to time. Some evenings, I’m asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. Other nights, I lie awake wondering if it’s time to get the oil changed in my car, or I’m trying to remember the last place a kid left their soccer cleats. Sometimes, it’s just inevitable.

When you find yourself in that precarious situation, I have a blessing to pray over you in those moments:

May your body release the tension in every muscle, big and small, one by one. May your hands lie still by your sides or find rest as you tuck them gently under the warm side of the pillow.

May your breathing slow to a steady rhythm, taking in cool air to calm your spirit. With each breath in, may you find yourself sinking deeper into rest, melting slowly into peaceful sleep. And with each exhale, may you release the worries that have been binding your lungs as calm and comfort wash over you in waves.

May your heart rest with the assurance that God is standing watch. He, who never slumbers, is keeping guard and protecting your heart, mind, and body while you recover. He loves you. He is for you. Sleep well.

Are you sleepy yet? Give yourself the gift of an early bedtime tonight, even just a few minutes. You are worthy of a great night’s sleep.

“May your heart rest with the assurance that God is standing watch. He, who never slumbers, is keeping guard and protecting your heart, mind, and body while you recover.”

[Taken from Near in the Night by Emily Ley.  Copyright ©2023 by Emily Ley. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. http://www.thomasnelson.com.]

Buy your copy of Near in the Night here!

About Emily Ley

Emily Ley is the founder of Simplified, a brand of planners and organizational tools for busy women. Her newest book, Near in The Night, is a collection of reflections on finding God’s peace and rest. She has been featured on Good Morning America and in Forbes, Family Circle, Better Homes and Gardens, Glamour and Good Housekeeping. Now, as an author, entrepreneur, wife and mother to three, Emily lives in Pensacola, Florida, with her husband, Bryan, their son Brady, and twins, Tyler and Caroline.

https://emilyleybooks.com/

https://www.instagram.com/simplified/

https://www.instagram.com/emilyley/

Until next time, keep witnessing!