Why Can't I Sleep?

It’s 2:13 AM.

Again.

You’ve scrolled through your phone, adjusted your pillow a dozen times, tried counting sheep, tried praying, tried not thinking about that thing you’re trying not to think about… and still, sleep won’t come.

If you’ve ever typed “Why can’t I sleep?” into a search bar while the world is dark and still, you’re not alone. Millions of people do the same every single night. And the reasons vary: stress, regret, anxiety about tomorrow, lingering guilt from yesterday, relationship tension, doom-scrolling, that tight feeling in your chest you can’t explain. Or maybe nothing obvious at all—just a low-level hum of unrest.

But what if your sleeplessness is telling you something deeper?

What if the real problem isn’t just in your routine or your screen time or your diet—but in your soul?

The Deeper Restlessness

The Bible tells us that human beings are more than physical bodies. We’re spiritual creatures—made by God, made for God, and made to rest in God. But when we turn away from Him (and we all do), something in us breaks. That break shows up in more ways than one—confusion, guilt, fear, performance pressure, chronic worry, comparison, shame, scrolling. We try to silence the noise with white noise. But no matter how good our bedtime routine is, our hearts remain restless.

St. Augustine, who knew a thing or two about sleepless nights of the soul, once wrote,

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

That might sound poetic. But what if it’s also true?

The Invitation of Jesus

Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus of Nazareth looked into the eyes of a weary, worn-down crowd—people who had been running hard, trying to prove themselves, trying to carry burdens they couldn’t hold—and He spoke these words:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28–29)

Rest. Not just physical rest. Not just mental relief. But the kind of rest that reaches the core of who you are.

The end of striving to prove yourself.
The quiet confidence that you are known, forgiven, and loved by God.
The freedom that comes when you no longer have to carry the weight of your past—or fear the future.

The Answer Is a Person

This kind of rest doesn’t come from trying harder. It comes from trusting Someone.
Jesus didn’t come just to inspire us—He came to rescue us.
At the cross, He took our sin, shame, and striving upon Himself.
And in His resurrection, He opened the way to new life—real life.
A life of peace with God.
A life where you no longer have to prove yourself or pretend.
A life where rest isn’t something you chase… it’s something you’re given.

The Question for You

So maybe the real question isn’t “Why can’t I sleep?”
Maybe it’s “Where can I find rest?”

And the answer is not a formula, a product, or a playlist.
The answer is a Person.

Jesus.

He’s not asking you to fix your life before you come.
He’s inviting you to come as you are- broken, weary, skeptical, unsure.
Come with your baggage. Come with your questions. Come as you are.

And He promises—you will find rest for your soul.

You’re Not Alone

If any of this resonates, we’d love to talk. We’re just regular people who’ve found rest in Christ—and we’d love to help you find it too. Whether you’ve never been to church or you’ve been burned by it before, there’s a seat for you here. No pressure. No pretending.

Come visit us this Sunday at Central Presbyterian Church.
Or send us a message. We’d love to connect over a cup of coffee.

Until then, friend—may the God of peace meet you in the middle of your restless night… and gently lead you to Himself.