Ask yourself this: For all the things keeping you from sleep, can you fix or change anything in the middle of the night? The answer is usually no.
If not, what do you need to start surrendering at night so that you can go to sleep?
TWO ENCOURAGING VERSES:
Here are two verses that I discuss in my Stronger Than Stress book in the “Taking Care of You” chapter on page 139 - and if you’re struggling with sleep, then screenshot these verses and read them tonight before bed:
You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly. -Proverbs 3:24 NLT
He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps. -Psalm 121:3-4 NLT
Both of these verses remind us of God’s character and His care for us. Sleep is a grace. In a world of sin and hardship, God created our bodies to need a daily shutdown period to restore us while He sustains and maintains the world around us. Lucky for us, God doesn’t need sleep, and He's always at work! God knows that we don’t need to be aware of everything happening in the world 24/7 - that weight is too much for us. So, let’s not rob ourselves of experiencing the grace of sleep by lying awake obsessing about the problems that God is already working on.
LET’S GET PRACTICAL! FOUR WAYS TO HELP YOU IMPROVE SLEEP:
1. Put Your Devices to Bed Before You Go to Bed
If your sleep has been struggling, perhaps a good starting point is putting your devices to bed before you go to bed. There's all kinds of research telling us that the screen light before bed disrupt our natural melatonin production, which is needed for sleep. For years, I've plugged my cell phone into my office and it's been so helpful for better sleep! (I use
this alarm clock instead of my phone.)
2. Write It Down and Release It to God
For decades, I’ve kept a journal. I write and reflect on my day before bed. Journaling helps empty all the swirling things in our minds onto paper and that helps us problem-solve and can reduce our anxiety. If you haven't journaled or you aren't sure what to write, here are some prompts to help you:
- God, today I am grateful for (list 3-5 things).
- God, I am anxious about (tell God what's going on).
- God, I need to surrender (tell God what you need to let go of).
- God, I choose to remember (God's love, His provision, He is always with you)
3. Give “It” to God
In my Stronger Than Stress book, I mention creating a “God Box” where you grab a box and a stack of notecards. Before bed, write down whatever is on your mind, and at the bottom of each card, you can write: “God, I can't. But You can. I will let You. Amen" surrender prayer.
4. Worship Your Night Worries Away!
If you’re an over-thinker, a worrier, or someone who obsesses over problems, I suggest listening to worship music before bed to keep you mind from spinning. Worship songs about God’s love, faithfulness, and power fill your mind and fight back against your anxieties. I have a great Spotify playlist that you can
access here!
I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! What do you need to surrender so you can stop worrying and go to sleep? If you need to try one of my four suggestions, hit reply with “Sleep.” Good sleepers, tell me what helps you let go of your worries and go to sleep?
