Whispers in the Dark

When Sleep Escapes, God Remains

On my bed I remember you; 

I think of you through the watches of the night.

Psalm 63:6

Sleepless nights come to us all—moments when silence intensifies thoughts and shadows stir anxiety. Yet for David, the night became sacred. Far from comfort, lying in the wilderness, he chose to fill the darkness not with fear, but with remembrance: “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.”

Psalm 119:148 echoes this rhythm of devotion: “My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.” And Lamentations 2:19 exhorts us, “Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord.” The night becomes holy ground when filled with God’s presence.

Charles Spurgeon said, “He who learns to sleep with thoughts of God will wake with songs of praise.” When we turn our thoughts to God, even insomnia becomes worship.

Matthew Henry reminds us, “The thoughts of God in the night are the comforts of saints in solitude.” David knew this firsthand. Though he had no sanctuary, no bed of ease, he had God—and that was enough.

Donald Coggan writes, “To meditate in the night hours is to let the stillness be filled not with anxiety, but with the remembrance of God’s faithfulness.” Our wandering thoughts can become whispered prayers, and our restless hearts can find quiet peace in remembering who God is.

Prayer:

Lord, when sleep escapes me, let Your presence meet me. Fill the night with your promises, and quiet my soul with remembrance of Your faithfulness. Amen.