Adventures in Insomnia

“Adventures in insomnia” sounds like fun…but it isn’t. My fellow sufferers get it: we are in bed and yet can’t sleep. We cut off the caffeine hours upon hours ago, yet we are awake as if we had binged an entire pot of Espresso. We sufferers have tried all the advice and nothing works. As we stare at the clock, all too wide awake, frustration builds.

My adventure in sleeplessness has been a long one and something sleep meds have not cured. Though I am certainly not alone in this struggle, that comfort does not bring sleep. What is helping me, however, is unique in our post-modern world.

The help I am finding is actually what I am gaining while getting no sleep. Huh? Let me explain: recently, instead of waiting for sleep, I went to my Bible (yes, the paper book, not the phone – remember those?). I spent time reading in God’s Word, which I find so comforting. Last night, I read the book of 1 John. Tonight, I read in the book of James and Hebrews. Did it help me get to sleep? No. But it helped get something better: in doing this, God comforted me and nourished my soul through the living, active Word of God (Heb. 4:12) that is alive as Jesus Himself.

Last night, God reminded me that He never sleeps. So, when I can’t snooze, there is someone up with me. Though He is not suffering from insomnia (that God thing – He doesn’t need sleep), He is awake because He is the all-powerful God watching over me. Don’t get me wrong – I get frustrated at insomnia, and even frustrated at God. But I thank Him for His love and care that I would never trade for the world…including sleep.

May God bless you, my friend. If you struggle with this or have friends and family who do, you know real medical help is there if used responsibly. But God’s help is far above all other help. Though I will keep doing sound medical recommendations, I intend to let God’s Word flood my soul as the clock ticks.

“My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” – Psalm 121:2-4