We’ve all been there, especially us mamas, anxious or unable to sleep and watching our precious nighttime hours fade away. And many of us have also sat beside our children’s bed trying to calm them and encourage them to get to sleep.

Scripture is one of the most powerful ways to fill us with peace. And in today’s busy culture, restful sleep is so important. So let’s dig into 6 powerful night bible verses that will help you (or your children) get that restful sleep we need!

Psalm 4:8

In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Lord alone, make me live in safety.

I love this version because it reminds us that the Lord will bring us peace both in laying down and in our sleep. It also is a reminder that these are the actions that we take in faith. When we do this, the Lord will bless us with peace and safety. 

And safety here is defined as “a place of refuge” (Strongs) which is a powerful way to envision our beds and our bedrooms during the night.

Proverbs 3:24

When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.

As we set our eyes on Christ and walk in His wisdom and strength, God promises that our sleep will be sweet. What a lovely reminder as we lay down tonight, to fix our eyes on the almighty and sovereign Lord, knowing that fear has no place!

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.”

When we feel weighed down by the troubles of this world, anxious or plain all weary – Jesus has promised us rest in Him. Let us not expect that sleep is the thing that solely refreshes us, but the power of Christ that gives us true rest.

Matthew 6:34

Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.

We can lie down and rest without worrying about tomorrow. This isn’t a passive thing, we must choose to stop the worries and thoughts that make us anxious and lay them at the foot of Christ. When you are struggling with this is the perfect time to memorize these Scritpures and repeat them over and over. Don’t just “stop” worrisome thoughts but replace them with truth!

Psalm 56:3

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

When fear fills our minds, especially at night, we must choose to trust in the Lord. This is an act of faith. We won’t always feel better until we actively place our trust in Christ. We can do this by speaking Scripture, praying or proclaiming this verse.

Psalm 127:1-2

Unless the Lord builds the house, they who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil, for he gives sleep to his loved ones.

This verse reminds us that no matter how hard we work, the Lord is the one who builds our homes and protects us. Therefore, we can rest if we are surrendered to Him. He wants us to sleep, He cares for us. And in Him we can have restful sleep. Don’t let yourself believe that toiling or in other words, hustling will bring you anything. Instead God will bless us as we come to Him and because of this, we can rest with peace.

Bedtime Prayer

Lord, you have promised peaceful sleep and rest over and over in Scripture when we set our eyes on You, choose to fill our minds with truth and come to You with our worries and fears. I proclaim Your goodness and sovereignty over this night. I choose to walk in Your truth, to fill my mind and heart with Your Word and to surrender any worries that enter into my mind to You. Fill me with Your Spirit and remind me of Your love. I stand firm in the victory that You have already won over Satan and in faith I lay down and sleep in peace. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Bedtime Prayer for Children

Dear Lord, thank you for this day. You are good and You care for me. When I am worried, I will tell you about it. When I am afraid, I know You will keep me safe. Help me to sleep well tonight, Jesus. Thank you for watching over me tonight. Amen.

What is a good psalm to read before bed?

Psalm 91 is a powerful reminder of the safety and provision of the Lord. This is a great one to read, reflect on and even memorize for those hours at night where you may be struggling to sleep or anxious. 

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” -Psalm 91:1-2

More Bible Verses to Help You Sleep 

• Psalm 3:5 
• Joshua 1:9
• Philippians 4:6-7
• Psalm 46:10
• Peter 5:7
• John 14:27

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