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| How to Go to Sleep When Worry Keeps You Awake |
How to Go to Sleep When Worry Keeps You Awake
When I got to bed each night, I struggle to go to sleep. My body is tired, but my mind won't turn off. I can't stop thinking about all the things that worry me. I'm a fixer by nature so when I go to bed, I think about problems in my family members lives and the different ways I might fix them all. The frustrating truth is that I can't fix all their problems, so I just lay there tossing and turning while I worry about all of them. It turns out that this is not uncommon. Chances are that you struggle with this too. This constant restlessness can affect our well-being and disrupt our Spiritual peace. However, turning to Scripture provides comfort and helps us rest. Here are several suggestions that will help you go to sleep when worry keeps you awake.
Turn Worry into Prayer
The most powerful way to combat worry is through prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
When you feel anxiety creeping in, take a moment to pray. Lay your concerns at the feet of Jesus, thanking God for His presence and sovereignty over all situations. This will help shift your focus from your worries to His promise of peace.
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| Start with Prayer: 250 Prayers for Hope and Strength by Max Lucado is available here. |
Meditate on Scripture
Those who love Your Law have great peace, And nothing causes them to stumble.
As you prepare for sleep, consider choosing a verse that resonates with you. Repeating it in your mind can redirect your thoughts away from worries and towards God’s unshakeable truth. Write the verse down and keep it close to your bedside as a reminder of God’s promises. When my daughter had trouble sleeping after her grandmother passed away, I wrote the following verse on an index card and taped it to the wall by her pillow. This verse helped her overcome her fear of death and reminded her that her grandmother was with Jesus. Then, she was able to enjoy sweet sleep.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24
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| Praying God's Word Day by Day by Beth Moore |
Establish a Calming Nighttime Routine
Creating a calming nighttime routine can help you prepare your mind for restful sleep. Start by dimming the lights an hour before bed and engaging in peaceful activities such as reading Scripture, praying, or journaling. Reflect on God’s love and His blessings over your life. As you cultivate an atmosphere of peace in your bedroom, allow it to serve as a quiet sanctuary where you can unwind before sleep.
Practice Gratitude
Simply said, gratitude is a remedy for worry. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us to
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Before going to sleep, take a moment to list three things you are grateful for. It could be the support of family, a beautiful day, or even a simple joy. Focusing on gratitude can shift your mindset and help your mind rest.
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| Gifts and Gratitudes: A Year of One Thousand Gifts (A Guided Journal) by Ann Voskamp is available here. |
Seek Fellowship and Support
Sometimes, we need the comfort of others to help us navigate our worries. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages fellowship:
And let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Connecting with friends, family, or a church group can provide support and reminders of God’s faithfulness. Sharing your concerns can lighten your emotional load and reinforce your trust in God’s plan.
When worry keeps you awake, remember that you are not alone, and help is always available. By turning to prayer, meditating on Scripture, establishing a calming routine, practicing gratitude, and seeking support, you can turn sleepless nights into opportunities for Spiritual connection and peace. As you put your worries aside, rest assured that God is watching over you, ready to provide peace that surpasses all understanding. Sweet sleep will follow as you trust in Him.
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| How to Go to Sleep When Worry Keeps You Awake |
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