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10 Verses for When You Can't Sleep

10 Verses for When You Can't Sleep

Many of us have been there. Middle of the night. Darkness surrounds. Stars shining brightly. All is quiet. All should be at peace. Except for one problem.

We can’t sleep.

Thoughts are swirling, anxieties pressing hard. Peace feels far away. Fear seems to be bigger in the dark. It’s hard to see or think with clarity. Too many things can keep us awake. Wide awake. If you’ve lived long enough, you may have found yourself there.

Maybe the kids woke you up, or the new pet. Maybe it’s just a bad dream. Or something you ate. Yet often it goes much deeper than that. Worry or stress, money problems, deep loss or grief can steal away precious hours of sleep. Illness, disease, or pain that we or our loved ones might be facing, can cause true rest to be a constant battle. Sometimes even the pain of broken relationships brings great heaviness to the soul. Unforgiveness, resentment, and anger, make it difficult to turn off our thoughts and rehearsed scripts, to find rest again.

If you find yourself there right now, or have just walked through a difficult hardship and still struggle with fear-filled thoughts or overwhelming feelings in the night, here are some verses that might help to bring life, healing, and peace once again:

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  • A white cross, Antifa moves to tear down a cross on a Christian college campus

    1. Psalm 91:1-2, 4

    “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’ He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge...”

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  • rustic scene of book with dried flower

    2. Philippians 4:8-9

    “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…and the God of peace will be with you.”

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  • woman peacefully resting on couch with coffee and eyes closed, prayers to rest in the Lord

    3. Matthew 11:28-30

    “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

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  • man looking at the stars outside

    4. Psalm 4:8

    “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

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  • 5. Isaiah 30:15

    5. Isaiah 30:15

    “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…”

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  • A church building, 68 percent says the government should not get involved in the church

    6. Matthew 6:33-34

    “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…”

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  • Bible study,

    7. Romans 8:26

    “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

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  • 8. Philippians 4:6-7

    8. Philippians 4:6-7

    Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

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  • hand holding page reading open Bible, who is Barnabas?

    9. James 4:8

    “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…”

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  • sunrise sunset bible study prayer nature lent easter pray

    10. Psalm 23:1-6

    "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

    *Editor's Note: The following is an abridged version of 21 Verses for When You Can’t Sleep: Find Peace for Your Soul. To read the full article, follow this link.

    Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's facebook page for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. You can also visit her homepage.

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