Christian

Can’t Sleep?

Cindy Dawson

Have you ever been trying to go to sleep, but negative thoughts invaded your mind? It could be something that happened to you in the past. Sometimes, for me at least, it’s about asking why. Why did they do that to me? Is there some part I don’t know? I wonder how many times he was unfaithful? Why am I so stupid and trusting?

Am I the only one this happens to? I don’t think so. In fact, research says there are very few people who have not experienced this.

So I decided to search the Scriptures and see what God has to say about it. Philippians 4:8 comes to mind right away.

“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.”

 The Amplified Bible says, “if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].”

That works because you can’t make yourself stop thinking about something, but you can decide to start thinking intently about something else! The Bible also says,

“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.” Philippians 4: 6&7

So if those negative thoughts are invading your mind at night, here’s what you can do.

  1. Think about positive things that happened today. If you try, you will think of many things. Here are some positive things I experienced today. The moon has been huge, full and bright for several days. It is beautiful. The weather was sunny and warm when I walked Bella today. The receptionist at school was kind to me. Our school nurse is so sweet. We are fortunate to have her. Once you get started, you will think of more and more things that are lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy .
  2. Mentally quote Scripture you have memorized. I can still quote Psalm 23 which I learned as a child (and that was a long time ago!) Psalm 91 is another wonderful Psalm to memorize. As you focus on trying to remember how it goes, unwanted thoughts fly away.
  3. Think about what you are thankful for. I am thankful for my children and grandchildren. I could think of a thousand things and so could you! Before you know it, you’re asleep.
  4. Good morning! That was amazing!

With Love, 

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?

All Scriptures are NIV unless otherwise noted.

Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash

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23 thoughts on “Can’t Sleep?”

  2. When these thoughts do infrequently come in, which actually is quite seldom when you stop to think about it, I immediately start reciting the little hymn that goes “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below, praise Him above ye heavenly host, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Repeat as required. It’s not possible to think on two distinct things at the same time, it’s going to be one or the other. The accuser gets the hint and departs. Try it!

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    2. Another thought about this: Deep hurts take time to heal. Like unwanted pests, they raise their nasty little heads when least expected. But our God is the Healer of the broken hearted. He is our refuge and our fortress. Blessings!

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  4. These are great tips to use. I believe it happens to everyone too. When this happens to me, and it does 🙂 and sometimes no matter what else I try to focus my thoughts on, the negative will seep back in Cindy, If it’s one of those nights, I just repeat over and over, thank You God, and I love You God. I will put it on a loop. It always works 🙂 LORD, thank You for continuing to bless Cindy 🙂

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  5. Wonderful, useful post!
    These two verses go hand-in-hand for my peaceful sleep:
    Is 26.3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
    Ps 4.8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

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  7. You’re absolutely right. I would lie in bed and just talk to God. Reciting some scriptures before I know it, it’s morning. I don’t even realize I have fallen asleep. God is so good, He even puts me to sleep. I love Psalm 23 & 91, I have to memorize them again. But I’m sure will help refresh my memory of those particular verses.

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  8. So true Cindy. I recall several years back during a very, very difficult time of attack the Lord placed a scripture on my heart. It was when Abraham was instructed by God to sacrifice his son Isaac:

    I will go yonder and worship. (Gen 22:5)

    I kept quoting that verse over and over and over again. And the Lord graciously intervened & brought great peace. We serve a mighty, mighty God.

    Enjoy reading your blog & appreciate your humility and transparency.

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    1. Thank you for your insightful comments. God’s Word truly is “alive and active”(Hebrews 4:12). It is the “sword of the Spirit”. The older I get, the more I understand Ephesians 6 about the armor of God! Blessings, David! I appreciate your insightful comments.

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