“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
June 5, 2026
The king of Persia’s insomnia was by divine appointment. Yes, God rules over our dream life, even the lack of sleep. It was John Flavel who insightfully said, “Many mercies and deliverances have fallen upon the people of God that are far beyond the course of natural causes.” Fires burn, water drowns, lions eat people. Yet God brought Israel between walls of water in the Exodus. Daniel’s three friends survived a fiery furnace, and Daniel slept next to hungry lions. God used insomnia to save Israel from a scheme of genocide. Haman’s hatred of the Jews led to his lynching on the very gallows intended for the Jew, Mordecai. God’s invisible hand works in our lives to create a turn of events that makes HIs providence smile. Yes, sometimes that providence frowns, but joy and trust in God are to accompany us no matter what the circumstances. Back to Flavel. “When Haman’s plot was ripe, on the very night the king could not sleep. So the providence of God falls out in remarkable moments of time.”
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Reflections:
Can you think of a time when you were surprised by God’s hand in your circumstances? Did it cause you to praise Him?