Having trouble going to sleep? You are not by yourself. According to Helsestart, 1 in 5 US adults struggle to sleep every single night.(22%) Bible verses can help you sleep: here are 9 powerful ones.
The questions we will be looking at are:
- What does God say about sleep?
- What is a powerful verse to pray before sleeping?
- What does the Bible say about peaceful rest?
- Where in the Bible does God give good sleep?
- Where does it say God gives us peace in everything?
- How do we connect with God at night?
What does God say about sleep?
Psalm 127:1-2 NIV
“Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.“
This verse reminds me of the childhood song “The Wiseman built his house upon the sand.” If we don’t allow the Lord to be in on the building of our lives, everything is in vain. Life is hard enough without the Lord’s guidance. One of the benefits is sleeping well.
What is a powerful verse to pray before sleeping?
Psalm 4:8 NIV
"In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety."
This is our primary verse for this lesson. It’s one of my favorites because it came to me at a time I was struggling to sleep at night. Thoughts of every kind battled relentlessly for my attention. Fears and worry all crept thunderously into my mind.
I then came across Psalm 4:8 from the Lord’s prompting. I memorized it and began to recite it at night before I went to sleep. Relaxing with the Lord and His Word changed my sleeping habits. It also changed my life. I knew I needed to commit more to the Lord and His way.
“You alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety” (v. 8). His fear, mentioned in the previous psalm, has subsided. With confidence he prays, “Give me relief from my distress” (v. 1), and lies down to rest in safety. Confidence joined to faith is a great sleep aid. Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms
This is a Psalm of David and they think it might be tied to Psalm 3. David was running from his son Absolom and asking the Lord for help. His fear is relieved in chapter 3 with the Lord’s answering his plea. This verse is a benefit of his confidence in the Lord.
The overall theme of this verse is confidence in the Lord. Knowing that the God of the Universe is there for you personally to get the rest you need and the protection no one else can promise.
What does the Bible say about peaceful rest?
Psalm 3:3-5 NIV
“Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.
But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.“
In verse 1, David is counting his foes and worried about what they are saying. His weakness is showing but in verse 2, his lament turns to glorifing the Lord.
The Lord has answered and protected him. The result? He is at peace when he sleeps and awakens knowing God has sustained him through the night.
Our sleep is more peaceful when we have confidence the Lord is there for us. The confidence comes from trusting that He is faithful to His promises.
Where in the Bible does God give good sleep?
Proverbs 3:21-24 NIV
“My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.“
What a great promise. Wisdom benefits are plentiful!! It will be life, safety, no stumbling and what else? SWEET SLEEP!!!
The conditions of this promise are to hold on to God’s wisdom and understanding. Don’t give in to your wisdom that is based on your opinion and knowledge. Humble yourself and gain wisdom from God.
Where does it say God gives us peace in everything?
John 14:27 NIV
“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.”
Jesus is talking to His disciples, letting them know that peace is a gift from Him. It’s not the same as peace we receive from the world, but even better. This peace is for us in everything, whether in conflict or in trying to sleep.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
“Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.”
This verse is a reminder of how personal our God is. First, He takes care of our anxiety because He loves us. Second, He takes care of ALL anxiety. Doesn’t matter how big or how small the problem is. He can help us remove it.
Romans 5:1 NIV
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”
Being justified through faith, means punishment for our sin has been removed. This is a wonderful relief that should flow throughout every aspect of our lives and give us the rest we need.
How do we connect with God at night?
1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
“Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.
We need to go to Him, recognizing He can truly help, humbling ourselves before our Great God.
Here is a suggested outline for prayer
- Give Him honor and praise.
- Confess any sin.
- Tell Him how you feel.
- Ask Him for what you need.
- Thank Him for His help.
- Close in Jesus Name.
Conclusion
Philippians 4:6 NIV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
There are sometimes physical problems that hinder our sleep that may require a doctor. They can be an answer to our prayers.
Sleep is a very basic need of humans and it should be addressed when it becomes a problem. Praying Bible verses at night can relieve anxiety and help us to go to sleep knowing our Father has our lives in His hand.
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