Not so itsy-bitsy

Psalm 127:2

Surrounded by sheets of notepaper and stacks of library books, I sat hunched on my bedroom floor, scribbling down facts for a research paper. Dragging my heavy eyes toward my clock, I saw that it was almost 1:30 a.m. Firmly closing my book, I tidied up the mess and wilted onto my bed, ready for a restful night of sleep.

Just as I was ready to turn off the lights, something darted across the covers right next to me. I watched in horror as a loony-sized, brown, hairy spider scurried over my blanket. Frozen with fear for only a moment, I grabbed a piece of paper and chased this pest off my bed, only to lose it among my economics books. I frantically tracked down my intruder, and a hardcover book about agricultural policy finally put an end to the chase.

After timidly checking underneath my covers for any family members of the late spider, I sat down, my heart still pounding. Now I was wide awake. I rigidly sat in bed, scanning my room with paranoia and envisioning hordes of spiders coming out of my walls and crawling all over me as I slept. After a few minutes, I started to chide myself for being so upset by this little creature – after all, God created it. I began to pray that God would calm me down and help me fall asleep in peace. I felt completely helpless, and asked God to keep any other spiders away.

Glancing at my Bible on the nightstand, I suddenly felt a strong impulse to read Psalm 127. I had no idea what it might say. When I came to verse 2, my jaw dropped as I focused on the words: “For He grants sleep to those He loves.” Overwhelmed, I praised the Lord and started to relax. I was amazed that even in my distress over a measly spider, God spoke through His Word and encouraged my heart.

I learned a valuable lesson that night. I was taught of God’s unfailing love for me in such a personal, tangible way that I will never forget it. All God needed to calm my troubled mind was half a verse when I came to Him recognizing my helplessness. God’s ways are certainly better than mine – I would never have believed that finding a spider in my bed could be such a blessing!

Reflections is a column of brief reflections on Scripture passages. This one is by Marilyn Ens, a student at Trinity Western University and a member of North Lanley Community Church in Langley, B.C.

Freelance submissions for Reflections (200–250 words in length) are welcome.