Finding Rest in the Long Night

One of the most disturbing pressures on me is anything that stirs conflict in religious affairs—congregational or personal. Many times, it became apparent that my approach to certain matters ran directly against the convictions of those in charge. That realization unsettled my sleep early this morning as my mind wrestled with the dilemma. The clock seemed to slow as the time to rise approached. I’m probably not alone in this. When a serious matter lands on us, sleep can become the first casualty. It’s even harder when it feels like competing worldviews are at work.

What should one do to cope with sleeplessness? I think that is the wrong question. Is it simply, “What should I take?” Do I reach for Benadryl, melatonin, or some other quick fix? The better question is: What does discernment tell me to do?  What is my sleeplessness trying to tell me? Is it concern for relationships? Is it my health? Is it the weight of responsibility? Is it the battle for my attention? Or is it uncertainty about what the future holds?

The major category points to the first practical steps. For example, when Martha and I were both diagnosed with cancer at different times, my response was two-fold. In Martha’s case, it was to contact MD Anderson for further evaluation and treatment. A national conference for leukemia and lymphoma was held the same month in Dallas when Martha was diagnosed. One repeated counsel I heard from researchers, practitioners, and patients was also two-fold. Don’t keep it to yourself. Share with those you trust and elicit prayers from others. Coping with health issues often has two parts. Seek good medical advice. And practice theological trust and reliance on God.

If the issue involves relationships, biblical guidance is warranted. We are admonished, as far as it depends on us, to be at peace with others. Contrary to the pattern of the world, we are not to strike back, ignore, or run away. We are to pray for those who may be contributing to our sleeplessness. We trust in God’s power to heal and to guide.

Sometimes stress of all kinds—work, finances, crowded schedules, and the battle for our attention—contributes to lack of sleep. This requires rethinking what is really important in our life. Do we really need this big house or that new car? Do I need to reprioritize what matters most? Some surveys suggest work stress is one of the leading concerns today, alongside sleeplessness itself. I have a saying: “If you can’t change your environment, then change your environment.” If you can’t change the factors that are detrimental to you and your family, then—if possible—change where you work. Priorities matter. Some things are not worth the cost.

So, we must avoid the “quick fixes.” Sleep medications, stimulants, and working harder just to keep up can become their own trap. Instead, use discernment and look for the root cause. Ultimately, we need to realize that rest is an act of trust. Whether the issue is relationships, health, or uncertainty about what happens next, our trust must be in God. When we sleep, we give up control. In sleep we are, in effect, saying, “God’s will be done.” In that trust we can have peace. Listen to what your sleeplessness is telling you. Act wisely. Refuse shortcuts. Give up control. And practice rest.