In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone,
O Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8
Some nights sleep just doesn’t come easy, while others your eyes close in slumber the moment your head hits the pillow.
Often, it is worries and anxiety that keep us from peaceful sleep.
I had the choice to fret and worry last night as I tried to find rest for the night.
Two of our grandsons are here for a sleepover. I worried about them wandering the house through the night.
Even though I showed them where Grandma and Grandpa’s bedroom is multiple times.
So I had to do some self talk, and then above all trust God.
Of course even as I type this blog, our grandsons are sleeping quietly. Nothing out of the ordinary happened through the night except all four of us slept soundly.
It seems the older we get, the more worried we are sometimes.
What keeps you up at night?
Are you worried about finances? Children? Your future? The future of the country? Or your family’s future? Perhaps it is your health or the health of a loved one? Or maybe you worry about being alone?
Whatever causes you to toss and turn and your eyelids not closing in peace, there is an answer.
When we turn our thoughts on God and rest in Him for the outcome, our sleep will be uninhibited.
Sometimes getting up to read a few Bible Verses will bring peace to the soul.
When our bodies or minds become wound up and rest won’t come, taking time to have a warm cup of tea might help.
Focusing on God and His goodness will give us peace.
Maybe there is something we need to say sorry to God about before we can find rest.
I have met many individuals who genuinely struggle to get to sleep.
Being overstressed is a big contributor to not sleeping.
The key point is to unwind. Let your mind and body settle by focusing on good thoughts.
I have also heard it said that many older individuals have trouble sleeping because of a body changes as you age.
So if you struggle in getting a good night’s sleep or falling asleep, you are not alone.
It is a common predicament, with no simple answers always.
Some suggestions above will help.
Whispering a prayer for God to help you have a good night’s sleep is an excellent method, naturally.
Repeating the words to the Bible Verse listed above will help.
Things like cutting out caffeine earlier on and not eating heavily before bedtime are also practical helps.
Not thinking about tomorrow’s agenda is bound to add moments, if not hours, to your night’s rest.
Perhaps making a list of things you hope to accomplish earlier on in the day and then praying over that list the following morning will help.
Listening to quiet praise music is another good tip to aid in sleep.
If none of the above help at all speaking to your doctor or a trusted biblical counsellor can help.
We all need support and understanding and if that is missing, finding someone to talk to about life’s problems can be urgent.
Talking to God in prayer is above all recommendations and always comes first.
So what keeps you awake at night?
Remember the promise of Psalm 4:8, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
And when a new day dawns may you be fresh for the task, or if, like today, you are enjoying a holiday, enjoy a rested one, dear reader.
Blessings for the week ahead, may it be peaceful and restful in your corner today?
Love and prayers,
Liz