Day 267: Inspired Insomnia (Esther 6:1)

On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.” — Esther 6:1

Through the Bible: Esther 6-10

In our world today, a good night’s sleep seems to be harder and harder to come by. The CDC says one in three adults regularly struggles with insomnia. Americans spend billions on pills, mattresses, noise machines, and apps just to find rest.

Reed Hastings, Netflix’s CEO, once described sleep as his company’s biggest competition. That’s why they built autoplay — so the next episode rolls before you have a chance to stop. Sleep is more than a biological necessity. It’s an industry. It’s a battleground.

So what do you do when you can’t sleep? Most of us scroll endlessly or stream another episode.

But in Esther 6, one sleepless night became the hinge of history. The king’s insomnia led to Mordecai’s loyalty being remembered, Haman’s plot being exposed, and God’s people being saved.

God used insomnia to change the world. And He can redeem your sleepless nights if you invite Him into them.

Pray instead of scrolling. Open Scripture instead of opening Netflix. Remember that the One who keeps Israel never slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4).

There’s a balance. Sleeplessness can be a summons, but sleep itself is a blessing. The Psalms remind us that God “gives to his beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2).

And again: “I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me” (Psalm 3:5).

Both rest and restlessness can be holy ground when we bring them to God.

If you battle ongoing, chronic insomnia, please hear this: God doesn’t mean for you to suffer endlessly in the dark. Good medical help is also a gift from Him. Seeking treatment isn’t a lack of faith — it’s one more way He sustains His beloved.

So the next time you find yourself awake at 3 a.m., know this: the King of kings is already awake with you. He may be whispering something unforgettable in the quiet — or He may simply be inviting you back into the gift of His peace.

Lord, thank You for the gift of sleep, and for Your presence in my sleepless nights. Teach me to receive both rest and restlessness as opportunities to meet You. And give wisdom and healing to all who suffer night after night. Amen.