Managing Your EmojisSample

Perfect Peace

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3

Michelle

Have you ever been up in the middle of the night feeling scared, overwhelmed, and anxious? You just really want to feel some peace so you can go back to sleep. Maybe you are worried about a test, a project due date, whether someone is or will get mad at you, or if something in the future will or won’t happen. You might have had a bad dream that seems so real the fear stays with you even after you’ve been awake and told yourself it wasn’t real. Your heart keeps pounding, your body so restless you feel like you can’t stay in bed.

Struggling with sleep is a tricky thing that lots of kids encounter. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, it’s important to develop a before-you-go-to-bed routine so you can teach your body to know it’s time to rest. This might include a checklist you do in the same order every night. Baths or showers, brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, reading your Bible or a devotional before bed, and listening to relaxing music may help. Some teens and adults use a sound machine like I did when my babies were little. It’s good for blocking out noise and providing a soothing sound.

If you have thoughts racing through your head, you might want to keep a journal by your bed to write. Writing can help slow down the thoughts in your head. The Bible tells us that God does not sleep, and He will watch over us through the night (Psalm 121:2–4). I remind my kids of this truth when they have bad dreams or they feel like something is in the room with them. I’ve taught them to say to the darkness, “Go away in Jesus’ name” because Jesus called Himself the Light of the world (John 8:12).

Embracing Brave

Take a look at your sleep habits. Do you need to improve your routine? Warming up your body before you go to sleep can trick it into being sleepy because as we fall asleep, our body temperature falls. Taking a warm bath or drinking something warm like a relaxing hot tea can help your body begin to get sleepy. Baths several times a week also reduce muscle tension in your body and help you relax. Finally, learn more about God’s perfect peace as you read His word, talk with Him, and learn to trust Him more each day.

Giving Your Scared to God

Father, I need Your help on the nights I struggle to fall or stay asleep. Help me sense Your presence that brings peace. May I not only know in my head that I am safe but feel it in my heart, as I rest trusting in You. Amen.