Humans have always slept, but only in the past few decades have we begun to find out why, and how sleep affects our brains, bodies, and more. This is the subject written about in Matthew Walker’s bestseller, Why We Sleep.

Play the following video [6:53; watch as much of the video as you have time to watch]:
Matthew Walker Busts Sleep Myths | Why We Sleep

• What impact does it have to know something new about yourself after watching this video? (Accept all reasonable answers. It may have practical implications—reason to sleep more—or cause a reaction of awe when realizing how complex and well-designed we are.)

Studying the brain and body in relation to sleep reveals new insights about ourselves and our bodily systems. But that’s just one example of the wonders of nature all around us. As we experience these natural wonders, we can begin to understand and appreciate them. But could the natural world point to something beyond creation—could it even point us to the Creator?

• Do you enjoy learning about our bodies, nature, and living things? Do you find facts about the design of the created world to be random, useful, or speak to something deeper about our purpose on earth? (Accept all reasonable answers. Many people find a sense of spirituality in nature, others investigate it scientifically, some are less curious about it.)
• Has anything in nature ever caused you to consider God or God’s design? Tell about that. (Accept all reasonable answers. For some it is the complexity within even the tiniest of creatures, or the precision of conditions that make life on earth possible, that points them to a Creator. For others, it could be the vastness of the universe, or the colors in a sunset that draws them to God. Allow students to elaborate if they are passionate about a particular subject or experience. Be prepared to share your own answer.)
• Regarding sleep, what do you make of the fact that God’s Word also insists that we set aside specific time for rest, confirming our body’s natural rhythms? (Accept all reasonable answers. While all creatures sleep, not all Sabbath; God’s provision for rest may remind us that God knows what we need and that God’s commands are good.)
• Relatedly, what does it mean to you that even your own body could reflect something of who God is and what God wills for us? (Accept all reasonable answers. The heavens declare the glory of God, but as His creation, we do too. Remembering this may help us be more attentive to what we and others need and more accepting of who we and others are. Discovering God in the creation all around us may make God seem a bit more accessible to know.)

Nature is beautiful and its complex systems are fascinating. More than that, nature is one of God’s gifts that reveals something of God to all people. Another gift we have is Scripture—God’s written Word—which reveals God to us in more specific ways. Let’s find out more about how God reveals Himself to us.