The conversation around mental health has grown in popularity, and rightfully so. If you’ve ever known someone who has struggled with depression, you know just how real and serious this topic is. Recently, Newsweek covered a Gallup survey linking the rise in anxiety to sleep problems. The article highlighted that there’s a vicious cycle that takes place: stress messes with your sleep, and the lack of sleep only makes anxiety worse. And, while there’s plenty of talk about solutions—whether it’s medications or ancient meditation practices—there’s something even older we can turn to for wisdom: the Bible.
I was reminded of this recently during a retreat I attended for Christian men. One evening, as we sat around a campfire, men from all different generations started sharing their struggles with sleep. It was eye-opening. I realized that these men weren’t just dealing with a modern-day issue—they were fighting a battle that’s been around for centuries. Yes, mental health struggles and sleep problems may seem like a “new” thing, but they’ve been impacting people for a long time. In fact, the Bible speaks to this very struggle in a way that’s still relevant today.
Sandra L. Richter, in her book Epic of Eden, explains something that really stuck with me: “Most people read the phrase ‘by the sweat of your face’ as referring to hard physical labor… but this phrase actually comes from an ancient idiom that talks about anxiety—the kind of sweat that comes from fear and worry.” She’s referring to the curse God gives to Adam in Genesis 3 after the fall.
When God tells Adam that he will now work the ground by the sweat of his brow, it’s not just about physical labor—it’s a sign of the deeper anxiety and toil that entered humanity’s experience because of sin. Before the fall, work was meant to be fulfilling and life-giving. But after Adam and Eve sinned, everything changed.
Anxiety, stress, and worry became part of the human condition, and that curse of anxiety has been passed down through generations. So, when we deal with anxiety and sleeplessness today, we’re actually dealing with a struggle that goes all the way back to the very beginning.
In Proverbs, Solomon also recognized the heavy toll anxiety takes on the human spirit. He wrote, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down” (Proverbs 12:25). Anxiety is like a drain on your soul—it sucks the joy and vibrance right out of you. It’s no wonder we feel weighed down when we’re stuck in this constant cycle of worry. And that instinctive fear, worry, and stress? Well, that’s part of the fall of Adam.
King David knew a thing or two about stress, and in Psalm 127, he talks about the connection between anxiety and sleep. He writes:
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:1-2).
Sound familiar? It’s like David was describing the same problem we’re dealing with today—stress steals our sleep, and we end up working harder and harder, yet accomplishing less and less. And all that hard work? It’s pointless if we don’t trust in God to handle it. Even if the task is important (like a builder or a guard keeping watch), we can’t let anxiety take over. Trusting in God and His support is key to breaking the cycle of anxiety-driven sleeplessness.
God knew fear would be one of our biggest struggles, and from the very beginning, He’s been addressing it. When He made His covenant with Abram, He told him, “Do not be afraid, Abram” (Genesis 15:1). God repeated this message throughout the Old Testament—to Moses, to Joshua, to David, to Isaiah—“Do not be afraid.” It’s as if He knew we’d need constant reminders. In fact, God gives this command over 300 times in the Bible, showing just how much He understands our need for reassurance and trust in Him.
And this call to trust Him is not just a “nice idea.” It’s part of His character. In 2 Chronicles 16:9, we read that “the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). God is watching over us, eager to support us. The key is trusting Him.
This call from the Lord is consistent with His character, as revealed in 2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
The truth is that the Lord’s eyes are on us, and He desires to support us; our response is simply to trust Him. As David says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22).
And the promise of God to those who respond to His loving pursuit and trust Him is: “He gives to His beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:1-2).
I’ve dealt with anxiety my whole life, and it’s affected my sleep in ways I can’t always explain. But I’ve also experienced great moments of victory, where I’ve slept deeply and peacefully. Unfortunately, these restful periods don’t always last—sleep, for me, often comes in phases. Even so, I am aspiring to have greater freedom and victory over anxiety and to experience the fruit of good rest that is rooted in surrender and trust.
So, what about you? What’s the thing in your life that’s causing you to worry and is stealing your sleep? Maybe it’s a deadline at work, a family situation, or a big decision that’s weighing heavily on your heart. Whatever it is, it’s important to recognize that this cycle of anxiety and sleeplessness isn’t something you have to bear alone. God is right there with you, and He wants to help you break free from that burden.
What’s one step you can take today to start surrendering that worry to Him? Maybe it’s a prayer, a simple “God, I trust You with this,” or perhaps taking a few moments to breathe and remember that He’s in control. Trusting Him doesn’t mean everything will immediately get easier, but it does mean you’re not carrying it on your own anymore.
Prayer: Abba, We bring our worries before You, acknowledging the anxiety that steals our peace and sleep. Thank You for the promise that You give rest to those who trust in You. Help us surrender our burdens to You and find peace in Your presence. Allow us to sense your smiling face over us and give us peace. Amen.
The Randalls 
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