10 Positive Biblical Affirmations to Meditate on before You Go to Sleep

Did you know that declaring God’s Word over your life comes with a beautiful string of benefits? It’s true! If you are restless and struggling to sleep, recite these Scriptures out loud and let God wash over you with His peace. After you read each one, ponder upon them, and invite God to whisper His truths to your weary heart. Then receive His love as it transforms your mind to shut down your body and fall asleep.

1. "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." - Psalm 4:8:

2. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 28:11

3. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27

4. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7

5. "The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep." - Ecclesiastes 5:12

6. "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." - Psalm 29:11

7. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

8. "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'” - Psalm 46:10

9. "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." - Proverbs 3:24

10. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:34

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If you are reading this, you obviously are still wide awake and thinking, what gives? Well, my friend, if you are continually exhausted (even during the day), your body may be trying to tell you something. But do take heart and know that if you are consistently plagued with restless nights or insomnia, you are actually in good company. If it’s any consolation, a whooping 62% of Americans struggle with getting a good night’s sleep according to MD Anderson Sleep clinic.

The culprit, while not surprising, is the lack of good sleep habits. A sleepless night here or there isn’t going to cause too much damage to your body, but if you experience irregular sleep patterns on a regular basis, it may be time to set up healthy boundaries around your evening time. Our bodies simply cannot function or perform if we don’t sleep well. In fact, lack of rest can result in a slew of health issues including mental haze and emotional swings, not to mention greater risks such as high blood pressure.

So, try fostering a few of these habits in order to get a better night’s sleep.

1. Establish a regular sleep- wake pattern that allows your body to get into a circadian rhythm.

2. Create a bedtime routine that causes you to calm your mind. Try reading a book rather than scrolling your phone. (Yes, you are more than likely reading this on a screen now, but try turning screens off at least an hour before you close those peepers, as it will help tremendously). Also, taking a nice bath with Epsom salts or listening to soothing music will allow your body to relax.

3. Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet. Play green or white noise to drift off to sleep if needed.

4. Be sure to soak in the sun and move about during the day, as this will allow your body to be receptive to sleep in the evening.

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Here are some precious “mini” prayers you can whisper up as you seek the Lord to help you get some shut eye and much-needed rest.

God,
As I lay down, please quiet my restless mind, anxious heart, and weary soul, as I know You hold the promises of tomorrow. Help me rest easy in Your care and lay all the concerns that capture my attention at Your feet. Thank you for being a good and faithful Father.
Amen.

Lord,
Thank you for the beauty and blessings that You brought today. However, as I reflect on my day, I am often unable to find peace and fall asleep. I humbly ask that You provide me with the rest my body desperately needs.
Amen.

Father,
I am so very tired, but I know that You see me and hear the cries of my exhausted heart. Tonight, I come before You and ask that You have mercy on me and graciously provide rest.
Amen.

And finally, as we come to a conclusion (and I pray you are either on the brink of sleep or at least experiencing very droopy eyelids) my sick little darling comes sauntering into the kitchen where I am writing and asks if she can add a prayer to help you sleep, so, here you go.

Dear Jesus,
Thank you so much for this day, and giving me time to spend with my family. Help me to feel better and get a good night’s sleep. I love you.
Amen.

Remember to keep it simple as you whisper up these affirmations, verses, and prayers. Know that as you seek to find rest, we serve a God that can grant us not only the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4), but the provisions that allow us to tackle each day (Philippians 4:19). Today I am leaning on that truth and God’s strength as I muster through the day going on a few hours of sleep, eagerly awaiting bedtime. May you find peace in that truth as well, and sleep well tonight, my friend.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Amaury Gutierrez