Have you ever had one of those day, weeks, months, or years where you are running at break-neck, non-stop speed. You are so exhausted at the end of the day that you fall into bed expecting to sleep through the night waking up ready for the next day. But knowing everything that needs to be done tomorrow and trying to figure out how to get it all done keeps you awake. All this activity, anxiety, worry, and stress takes a toll on us and sends us careening toward burnout.
Every evening, millions of people crawl into bed and struggle either to go to sleep or stay asleep through the quiet hours of the night. What’s worse, lying awake during those dark and silent times can bring on a busy mind and anxious thoughts that make sleeping seem even more impossible. Instead of recharging and resting peacefully before the alarm rings, the early morning sunbeams are met with exhaustion and difficulty focusing.
In my devotional reading today I read something written by Debbie McDaniel on Crosswalk.com. In her post, 21 Bible Verses for Sleep and Rest When Your Soul Needs Peace, she agrees with me when she wrote "Many of us have been there. Middle of the night. Darkness surrounds. Stars shining brightly. All is quiet. All should be at peace. Except for one problem. We can’t sleep."
If you find yourself there right now, or have just walked through a difficult hardship and still struggle with fear-filled thoughts or overwhelming feelings in the night, here are some Bible verses for sleep that might help to healing and peace. Allow the Scriptures to calm your mind and experience a good night's rest.
21 Bible Verses For Sleep and Scriptures for a Good Night's Rest
“Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid, when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
‘The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear…Be still, and know that I am God…the Lord Almighty is with us.” (Psalm 46:1-2, 10-11)
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (Romans 8:26)
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” (James 4:8)
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” (Isaiah 30:15)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
“…for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2)
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’ He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge...” (Psalm 91:1-2, 4)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…” (Matthew 6:33-34)
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:1-6)
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber, indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you...the Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life…” (Psalm 121:1-8)
Remember this; Know that He is with you. Close. He will never leave you or fail you. Our God never sleeps or slumbers, He holds all things in His hands, even you. So you can rest, and get some sleep.