Nightly Routines

READ: PSALM 4:8; MATTHEW 11:28-30; PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7

The sound of white noise as we lay down to sleep can give us comfort and cover up distracting sounds that might keep us awake. A fan going while we rest can help us feel comfortable and breathe easier. Some of us have a particular pillow we need to sleep, and some of us can only sleep in our own beds. There are things we gather and routines we go through to get to sleep…and intentional time with God can also be part of those routines.

If we know Jesus, God is always present with us through the Holy Spirit, and getting ready for bed can be a great time to focus on His presence. He loves us so much that Jesus died and rose again to be with us. So, before we go to bed we can spend time telling our incredible, loving God about our day, thanking Him for the blessings He gave us, bringing Him any requests we have, and sharing any hurts we experienced with Him and receiving His compassion.

We can cry out to God when we’re laying down to sleep and we’re feeling anxious, and we can also talk to Him when we’re feeling peaceful. We can get in the routine of talking to Him each night and sharing our problems with Him before we sleep. And if we wake up in the night terrified because of a nightmare, we can turn to Him for comfort.

God goes with us during the day, and He’s also right there with us as we start to prepare for bed and as we lay down and close our eyes. Let Him be involved in your nighttime routine, and rest in His presence as you drift off to sleep. • Emily Acker

• What routines do you follow before you go to sleep at night? There are lots of different ways we can incorporate intentional time focusing on God’s presence into our routines. Some people like to put a note with a Bible verse on their bathroom mirror so they see it when they’re brushing their teeth. Some people like to kneel by their bed to pray, and some like to write down things they’re thankful for from that day. You can also look back through your day and ask God to show you His presence with you during it. If you’re not sure what routines you’d like to try incorporating into your bedtime routine, who are trusted Christians you could talk to about it?

• Sleep is an important part of our physical, mental, and emotional health. Sometimes, we need help in order to give our bodies the sleep we need, and that’s okay. If you’re having difficulty sleeping, who is a trusted adult you can talk to, such as a parent, counselor, or doctor?

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. Psalm 16:7 (NIV)