We all know that it’s challenging to try and get through the day when we’ve had no sleep. We can become overly emotional or easily irritated. We can lack motivation for the tasks of the day, and can find it hard to concentrate. When we’re afraid, anxious, overwhelmed, or too busy, our sleep can be impacted. So what can we do about it? God wants us to rest in Him. He wants us to trust Him when we have too many thoughts in our minds. The Bible says: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding’ (Proverbs 3:5 NIV). We can hand over all our concerns to Him, and rest in the knowledge that He’s in control. The psalmist wrote, ‘Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you’ (Psalm 55:22 NIV). Every night when we’re ready to go to bed, we need to spend time handing over all our worries and burdens to God. He promises that ‘When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.’ So let’s make this our prayer today: ‘Father, whatever anxieties are stopping me from resting peacefully, I cast them all on You, knowing You care for me (have a read of 1 Peter 5:7). Calm my racing thoughts and restless mind. Help me to be still and know You are my God (take a look at Psalm 46:10). I bring my needs to You, and thank You for all You have already done. Help me experience Your perfect peace which will guard my heart and my mind (have a read of Philippians 4:6-7). By faith I will lie down tonight without fear or anxiety. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.’

What Now?

Before you go to bed tonight, write a list of everything that’s on your mind, however big or small. Pray that God would take these burdens from your mind and replace them with His perfect peace.