There are times when I am completely exhausted but just can’t sleep. I try reading or playing with my phone or counting sheep, but I toss and turn as the hours tick by. However, there are other times when I remember a story in the Bible and find a way to fall asleep quickly.

In Matthew 26, Mark 14 and Luke 22, Jesus and his disciples went to the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane to pray after an emotionally packed few days leading to his crucifixion. When Jesus got closer to where he wanted to pray, he brought Peter, James and John further along. He instructed them to pray and wait for him. Jesus went and prayed multiple times and upon returning, he found the disciples sleeping each time. Whether it was from physical and mental exhaustion or a supernatural sleep to prevent them from hearing all that Jesus was going through (2 Cor. 5:21) and things they could not possibly understand/endure, I cannot say for certainty. What I can say is that they were still and talked to God and were found sleeping.

Now, when I am trying to sleep, I try to remember to be still and talk to God. It could be the comfort of being with the almighty maker of Heaven and Earth who loves me enough to make me his adopted child that gives me peace enough to truly rest. It could be the being still and setting my mind on something other than trying to sleep. It could be something else. But I find that when I can’t sleep and try to focus on a meaningful conversation with God, I find myself waking up much later. Try it the next time you can’t sleep!