Insomnia

an excuse to pray

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:145-152

              Like many others – maybe even you – I have had sleepless nights. For me, it happens for two primary reasons. First, overseas travel. Because of the time difference, when I arrive on the other side of the world it takes a while for my internal clock to adjust. I’m usually struggling to stay awake in the early evening hours and struggling to sleep in the early morning hours. It often happens when I return home too. By then I have adjusted to a different time zone and suddenly I’m trying to reset my clock once more. So, at two, three, or four in the morning I’m wide awake. The other cause of sleeplessness for me is when my mind is going full tilt. Even if my body is tired, my mind can keep it awake with its worries and cares.

              The Palmist was sometimes up early too. He used that time to pray. He meditated on God’s promises (119:148) and called out to God in prayer (119:147). You can count sheep, that old time-tested method of sleep inducement. You can take a drug that will knock you out. Or you can pray to God and think about His promises. I’m not opposed to those other two aids to sleep. They may be necessary at times. But don’t ignore the third possibility. Insomnia might be a great excuse to pray.