He Giveth His Beloved Sleep
He Giveth His Beloved Sleep - meaning Summary
Respite Before the Hereafter
Paterson’s poem frames sleep as both literal rest and a consoling metaphor for mortality. After detailing daily toil, rivalry, and the attempts to amass worldly gains, the speaker thanks God for sleep as brief respite and foreshadowing of the “Great Hereafter.” The closing lines turn to prayerful gratitude, presenting sleep as a divine gift that eases earthly burdens and prepares the soul for final salvation.
Read Complete AnalysesThe long day passes with its load of sorrow: In slumber deep I lay me down to rest until tomorrow -- Thank God for sleep. Thank God for all respite from weary toiling, From cares that creep Across our lives like evil shadows, spoiling God's kindly sleep. We plough and sow, and, as the hours grow later, We strive to reap, And build our barns, and hope to build them greater Before we sleep. We toil and strain and strive with one another In hopes to heap Some greater share of profit than our brother Before we sleep. What will it profit that with tears or laughter Our watch we keep? Beyond it all there lies the Great Hereafter! Thank God for sleep! For, at the last, beseeching Christ to save us We turn with deep Heartfelt thanksgiving unto God, who gave us The Gift of Sleep.
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