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Lying awake in the middle of the night, especially when you know you have a lot to do the next day, can be torture. But by worrying about it, we actually make it worse. But by focusing your mind on Bible verses you have committed to memory, or using an app like Abide that will play biblical meditations or sleep stories for you, you can find comfort instead of anxiety when you’re struggling with sleeplessness. Here are 5 Psalms, along with a corresponding Abide sleep story, that can help you drift peacefully back to sleep.
Sleep Because God Stays Awake: Psalm 121
He will not let your foot be moved;
Psalm 121:3-4 (ESV)
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
Sometimes my sleeplessness can be attributed to a late-night meal. Others might find they had too much caffeine, engaged with a screen too late, or deal with health problems. But many times I don’t even know what’s keeping me awake. A low level of anxiety can just be pulsing through my body. That’s when I stop, take several slow, calming breaths, and pray. I allow worship songs or Bible verses to flow through my mind. Knowing that God hears my prayers no matter what time of night it is brings me peace.
Listen to this Abide sleep story based on Psalm 121 to get an idea of how a soothing voice talking about God’s care and help can soothe you back to sleep.
Sleep in the Steadfast Love of God: Psalm 57
For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
Psalm 57:10 (ESV)
your faithfulness to the clouds.
My infant children could always be soothed if they knew I was right there with them. A warm hand on their back, a soft song, gently spoken words—”You’re OK, I’m right here” —let them know they could sleep because I would always be near. My young grandson now will often ask me where I’m going to be when I’m putting him to bed. And if we’re too quiet, he’ll come looking for us, just to make sure we are where I said we’d be. All he needs is the assurance of our love and presence.
God’s love soothes us in the same way when we’re struggling with sleeplessness. He’s right there. He’s got you. He’s not going anywhere. Listen to this sleep story based on Psalm 57 and the great faithfulness of God.
Believe That God Abundantly Provides: Psalm 107
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
Psalm 107:8-9 (ESV)
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he satisfies the longing soul,
and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
If worry about your finances and how you’re going to make ends meet keeps you struggling with sleeplessness, confidence that God will provide for you can be a great comfort. God’s provision might not look like what you think it’s going to look like, but He knows what you need. Just as the birds and the flowers trust Him, so can you.
Listen to this sleep story based on Psalm 107 about God’s great provision for His children.
Trust God’s Power: Psalm 33
Let all the earth fear the Lord;
Psalm 33:8 (ESV)
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
Maybe you struggle with sleeplessness because there is something going on in your life that you don’t know how to deal with. Some problem you just can’t seem to solve. Your mind swirls with anxiety over how this situation is going to be resolved. Friend, I’ve been there. And I have seen the power of God displayed over and over again. He will work in your life for His glory and for your good. You can trust that absolutely.
Listen to a short segment of this sleep story based on Psalm 33. Rest in the awesome power of God to handle everything in your life that concerns you.
Focus Your Thoughts on What is Good: Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,
Psalm 24:1-2 (ESV)
the world and those who dwell therein,
for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
Throughout Scripture we’re encouraged to focus on the good. Philippians 4:8 serves as one of the great examples. If you let your mind spin with negative thoughts, problems, concerns, worries, your heart will not be at rest. Instead, focusing on the attributes of God, the fruit of the Spirit, the love and presence of God, there will be no room for those negative thoughts. You can stop struggling with sleeplessness and start resting in God.
When you find yourself next struggling with sleeplessness, have the Abide app near at hand to help guide you back into deep sleep through God’s Word. Our more than 400 Bible-based sleep stories and 1500+ guided meditations all exist to help you experience the peace of God. Use this link today for 25% off a premium subscription. Join the thousands of others who have found their sleep vastly improved through meditating on God’s Word.
Stephanie Reeves is the senior editor for Abide. She lives in Orlando, Fla., along with her husband, 3 adult kids, and 1 adorable grandson.
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