Why Can’t I Sleep, Lord?

by Janis Cox

At the moment I am being blessed with wonderful sleeps. That is not always the case. I have thought about the reasons and have a few suggestions for the nights when sleep eludes you.

I read Philip Yancey’s article in Grace Notes today. He talks about signs from God and how he sees the signs very clearly after he’s made the decision or move. One time he didn’t know whether to take a management position or stay in writing and editing. He opted for the management. Time and again he couldn’t sleep. Then he tried an experiment; one week he would do management and one week he would write. He slept very well while doing the writing assignments. Finally he decided to leave the management position and has slept well since. He finally heeded God’s voice.

I know what Yancey means. My hubby wasn’t sleeping well a number of years ago. His physical and mental health took a beating. We decided we needed to sell our company. We did and guess what? –  he started sleeping again.

All non-sleeping problems are not necessarily signs from God. Some people have trouble sleeping because of physical ailments, children, pregnancy, etc. But discounting any of these reasons I believe God tries to tell me something when I can’t sleep.

Here are some of the things God tells me when I can’t sleep:

• Janis, you did something yesterday that is not making Me [Jesus] happy. Think over your day, figure it out and make amends.
• Janis, I need you to wake up and pray. You didn’t take time during the day so now is the time. Wake up.
• Janis, a few things you said today were not of My [Jesus] liking. Think over your day – were your thoughts as pure as I want them? Acknowledge this and ask my forgiveness.
• Janis, I think you need to rethink what you are doing. Are you really following My leading or your own? Check over your plans – see if they are My plans. (this could be concerning family, friends, job).

Have you had sleepless nights? Is God talking to you? Listen and see. (click to tweet)

One great way to go to sleep or fall asleep after waking up is to count your blessings. Go over your day and see God at work; thank Him and praise Him for all He is doing.

Here is a wonderful song that I sing when I can’t sleep – from White Christmas.

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord for using our sleeping times to keep tabs with us. Help us to recognize our non-sleep as You talking. Help us to listen to what You tell us. In Your Name, Jesus, we pray. AMEN.

Janis Cox

Janis, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. A writer since 2003, Janis co-ordinates a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer. She is also a contributor to a group blog called Family and Faith Matters.

Janis is the author of the award winning children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, published by Word Alive Press. She is the author and watercolour illustrator. For more information visit Janis on her website He Cares for You. She is a member of The Word Guild and Inscribe Writers Fellowship.

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