I’m convinced that my thoughts sleep during the day so they’ll have abundant energy to run laps at night.
Not so long ago, I went to bed at 9, or at least the body went down for the count. My mind, however, buzzed. I usually stay in the bed, hoping to fall asleep, but this time, I got up and pulled out a journal. It was midnight. After a brain dump, it became apparent that all the thoughts pointed back to one subject, which started to unfold with the first line:
Lord, I feel like I’m walking on a tightrope in so many ways these days.
Following the first line:
- specific ways I felt tension between the thoughts I am thinking and those I want to think.
- recent disappointments that weighed heavier than I realized.
- lies I knew were from the enemy (nothing crushes Satan’s lies like being exposed to light!).
- Psalm 139:23, 34 (Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.) I often start my Psalm 46:10 time with God using this verse. Only He knows what true motives lurk behind good intentions, often unbeknownst to me. I trust Him to reveal what thoughts need repentance and forgiveness.
- After writing out the Psalm 139 verses, I jotted down questions for God, revealing places in my heart where I’d sought validation in someone other than Jesus.
I ended the entry after 1 a.m., asking Him to help me be who I can’t be without Him, to refresh my mind and soul, and to breathe life into the empty places. I returned to bed and fell right asleep.
But more importantly, the revelation of misguided validations began a sweet conversation with the Lord that still continues today. The Holy Spirit alerts my spirit when I start to lean in the wrong places, gently nudging me back into His arms.
Sometimes what keeps us awake points us back to one thing.
Other times, multiple thoughts twist as tightly as a tornado.
Whatever the reason for our restless thoughts, finding ways to tuck them in for the night is sure to help us move the needle in the right direction.
Lately, I’ve started spending 5-10 minutes just before bedtime, jotting down every thought swirling around in my brain. It doesn’t matter if it makes sense. Thoughts like what I need to do the next day, the one thing left off the grocery list, or wondering if what I said to someone earlier that day came out as intended.
Some other ways that help put the mind to rest at bedtime include:
- Know my caffeine cut-off time.
- Turn off social media an hour or two before bedtime.
- Try to resolve any lingering issues with others before bedtime. Even if it’s a quick text to a friend saying you’d like to catch up with her tomorrow. That one simple step helps to topple the pressure off the heaviest of hearts.
- Pray aloud. Hearing the words we speak to God, along with Holy Spirit silence sandwiched in between, adds a layer of peace even the warmest of blankets can’t provide.
- Read a scripture verse out loud and pray it back to the Lord. For instance, Proverbs 3:24 says, When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” There’s no right or wrong way to pray the verse back, but one way might be, Lord, thank You that I don’t need to be afraid when I lie down tonight. Your faithfulness and love hold me fast and my sleep will be sweet tonight. I praise You and thank You.
- Keep a “jot-it-down” journal by your bed, along with a pen, to add anything to your list that resists the command to flee! (If you subscribe to the Creative Pauses from The Tiny House on the Hill monthly letters, prepare for a blessed inbox today. You’ll find a monthly calendar of bedtime scripture verses and a bedtime “giveaway”.)
- If the thoughts that keep you awake center around a particular issue, consider reaching out to a trusted friend or Christian counselor for prayer and a listening ear.
Do you also struggle to put your mind to rest at bedtime? What are some thoughts that keep you up at night? I welcome the opportunity to pray for you, as I pray for myself, at bedtime. If you’d like, please share your name in the comments.
Do you know someone else who struggles to put their mind at rest at bedtime? Feel free to share this post with others!
Maybe you spotted our current gift for new subscribers, What to Pray for Room-by-Room? Together, we’ll walk through the rooms of your home as I share ideas on ways to pray for you, your family, guests, and even strangers. You’ll find the new subscriber box at the top of the sidebar. Of course, you can unsubscribe at any time, but we hope you’ll feel right at home here in The Tiny House on the Hill.
I have thought of many of your ideas but you gave me a few new ones to ponder. Also, for those who need to dump their brain (thoughts) on paper in the middle of the night, check out Amazon for “light up pens” or pens for the night writer. I have 1 next to my bed on top of a journal (small notebook). I want to remember dreams that I have so I can pray through them the next day. I also want to recall those incredible ideas that we get during those quiet hours! Sleep well, my friend!
Actually, the light-up pen you mention is the giveaway in this month’s Creative Pauses letter! Based on the number of people who’ve already entered, it’s a popular choice. Thanks so much for sharing, Marie! What a blessing. And good sleeping prayers for you too. 🙂
It doesn’t happen too often, but when it does it’s usually because God wants me to get something that He’s not willing to let me wait to get. When it happens, like you, I get up, pay attention, and ask Him to pour into me what He needs me to have. Today, it’s a good word from a great friend
Hi J.D.! I’m glad it doesn’t happen too often. But you’re right…sometimes those awake moments can be sweet times with the Lord. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share. It’s always a blessing.
I need prayers to silence my brain and thoughts that fill my mind at bedtime every nite. My divorce has way too much control of my thoughts, and I have prayed and prayed and ask God to be remove all those thoughts. I will keep trying, praying, and using your suggestions Cathy. I like what you have suggested to help obtain a peaceful nite sleep. Many thanks, Cathy.
Hi, Lynda. I’m sorry you’re struggling with nighttime thoughts and that the thoughts of your divorce have become consuming. I’m adding you to my journal but I’d love to pray for you now too. Heavenly Father, I’m thankful for Lynda and for her desire to give You her thoughts. Thank You for her transparency in sharing this struggle. Penetrate her heart and mind with a peace that only You can give. Help her to sleep soundly tonight and every night as she leans on You and the sweet provisions You give her. You are a good, good Father, and I give You all the glory for the work You will accomplish in Lynda’s heart and mind. Amen. (((hugs to you, Lynda)))
Enjoyed this article, Cathy. I sometimes struggle with putting my mind to rest at bedtime. It may just be going through a checklist of everything I need to do the next day. I love all your points and I especially liked this thought of asking the Lord “to breathe life into the empty places.”
Hi, Karen! Yes, the next day’s checklist gets me too. Putting every thought on paper has been a game changer. I will be praying for your sleep as I pray for mine before bedtime. Thanks so much for taking the time to share. It’s always a blessing! 🙂
Hello Cathy,
I just got home from the hospitals last night with a catheter from the surgery I had. I am pretty miserable this morning at 6:00. My dear sweet husband is so good to help me with bath room needs. I have been praying that the Lord will give me healing and strength as I recover at home. Please pray for me & my husband and son who will be home tomorrow to help us.
We have our church family support and my family supports. Thank you for your ministry as I found it this morning.
My thoughts keep me awake at times.
Sheri, I am praying now and will continue to pray for your full recovery. I’m thankful you’re surrounded by friends and family! What a blessing! I appreciate your taking the time to stop by and share. Hope you got a good night’s sleep. 🙂
Hi Cathy,
It’s ironic that I’m reading this at 3 am, and my average bedtime is 4-5 am. I’ve had a flurry of medical problems including sleep apnea. I wake up an average of 87 times an hour and my oxygen drops down to 67%. Frankly, I’m afraid I won’t wake up or that I’ll have some of my horrible wake-up’s with fight or flight response that’s become normal. There’s lots of other little things too but that’s a very obvious one.
Blessings,
Laurie Lupin
Hey Laurie, I’m so sorry you struggle with sleep apnea, as well as the other things not mentioned. I hope some of the ideas will help in the coming nights but most importantly, I will be praying for you. Thank you for sharing. (((hugs)))
Hello everyone! Just read this lovely article. I can fall asleep easily enough most nights. It’s staying there that’s the problem and one I remember from childhood. When I’m lucky I’ll awaken around 2 am and fall asleep again within a half hour. I’m not always lucky and it can take 1-2 hours to get back to sleep
Then I awaken at 4 to go in to work at 5. I’d love to sleep and awaken refreshed and I refuse to go down the sleeping pill rabbit hole. Thanks for listening
Thank you for sharing, Donna! Praying you will sleep better by being able to stay asleep. When I wake up, I always have a hard time going back to sleep. I hope one of the ideas shared in the post will help in some small way. Blessings and thanks again for stopping by!
On many occasions of restless nights, I am calmed when I repeat the words “Let go Let God.”
These are simple but powerful words. Thanks so much for sharing, Andy!