When is a Christian most likely to fall asleep spiritually? Is it not when life is going smoothly? Haven't you found this to be true? When you had daily troubles driving you to your knees, weren't you more awake to God than you are now? Easy roads make sleepy travelers.

Another dangerous time is when everything seems to be going well spiritually. In Bunyan's great allegory, Christian didn't fall asleep when lions blocked his path. He stayed wide awake while wading through the river. He didn't doze off while fighting with Apollyon. But halfway up the Hill Difficulty, when he found a delightful arbor, he sat down—and immediately fell asleep, to his great sorrow and loss.

The enchanted ground is a place of balmy breezes, laden with fragrant odors and soft influences, all designed to lull pilgrims to sleep. Remember how Bunyan described it? A warm shelter, promising refreshment to weary pilgrims, decorated with greenery, furnished with benches and settles, even a soft couch where the weary might lean. They called it "The Slothful's Friend," and it was made on purpose to allure weary pilgrims to stop their journey.

Depend upon it: it is in the easy places that men shut their eyes and wander into the dreamy land of forgetfulness. Old Erskine wisely remarked, "I like a roaring devil better than a sleeping devil." There is no temptation half so dangerous as not being tempted. The distressed soul does not sleep—it is after we enter into peaceful confidence and full assurance that we are in danger of slumbering.

The disciples fell asleep after they had seen Jesus transfigured on the mountaintop. Take heed, joyous Christian! Good frames are near neighbors to temptations. Be as happy as you will, only be watchful.