Feeling God’s Peace When Fear and Paranoia Seek to Steal Sleep 

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There have been so many nights where fear has kept me awake. Sometimes it’s fear of something that might happen the next day, or fear of the consequences for something that’s already happened. But many, many times, I find myself lying awake with a fast-beating heart simply because fear and paranoia seek to steal my sleep. They drive into me, drawing my attention to every little thing that could cause my heart and mind to race, and I’m left waiting for sunrise with my light on so I can feel safe enough to close my eyes.  

On nights like these, it can be so hard to find God’s peace. Sometimes I have to force myself to remember that God is with me, that He is King over everything. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” God has His hand on me, and I am not alone. But the paranoia still creeps in, seeking to drag my attention back to things that are either in my head, or that are much smaller than fear wants me to think.  

This is when I hum.  

Say the Name of Jesus Out Loud

I don’t always sing aloud because fear keeps my mouth shut, but out loud is best. Sing out loud, or pray out loud, or even better—do both. If you can’t bring yourself to do this, or if you don’t want to disturb or wake anybody, then try humming, singing in your head, praying in your head, and when you feel brave enough, whisper Jesus’ name.  

Pray Scripture

This fear and paranoia that seeks to steal your sleep feeds on that which isn’t real, but God is real, Jesus is real. Cast His name over every fear, every paranoia, every anxiety that plagues you. Whisper His name, and envision it as a battle cry, because I’m telling you, that’s exactly what it is. Whisper the name of Jesus and pray, pray, pray. 

Pray Paul’s benediction from 2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”  

Pray David’s psalm from Psalm 4:8, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”   

Pray the Lord’s blessing on His people from Numbers 6:24-26, “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.”  

Whether out loud or in your head, prayer is so powerful. God hears you, eager to give you His peace and rest. God wants you to sleep, and to find good rest in it. He will be with you as you battle the fear and paranoia constantly trying to rob you of it. He gave you His Son, Jesus, and Jesus’ name is enough to bring you His comfort. God is oh so close to you. 

Speak Jesus Over Every Thought and Feeling

Speak Jesus over your heart which beats so fast, whose rhythm falters when fear strikes.  

Speak Jesus over your mind which runs rampant as it clings to any reason to feel fright and cause unrest.  

Speak Jesus over your body which longs to slumber, but which twists and turns as anxiety sinks into its bones.  

Speak Jesus over your eyes that might see that which isn’t there, over your ears that may cause the slightest sound to be so loud, and over every clenching muscle.  

Speak Jesus over your home, over your room, over your neighborhood, over every loved one.  

Seek peace in Jesus’ name. 

A Prayer for Protection

Now, if I may pray for you. “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Lord bless and protect this reader. Grant them Your peace as they lie down seeking Your rest so they can finally drift into sleep. Help them to remember Your love and protection, which blankets them at every moment, day or night. Let them take their fears, their anxieties, their paranoia, and give them all to You. Give their heart and mind the peace of God the Father, and Jesus the Son, Amen.” 

Now listen to a short segment of this Bible-based sleep story from Abide. Peaceful sleep stories like this fill your mind with God’s Word leaving no room for the fear and paranoia that seek to steal your sleep. This story is based on 1 Chronicles 16:31-36.

The Abide app is a powerful tool for combatting fear and experiencing God’s peace. Our guided biblical meditations and more than 400 Bible-based sleep stories all exist to help you experience the peace of Christ. Download it today using this link to get 25% off a premium subscription.

Morgan is a junior at the University of Central Florida where she is working on her BA in Creative Writing. She lives in Florida with her family and their two cats, Stella and Luna.