When I remember Thee on my bed, I meditate on Thee in the night watches,

For Thou hast been my help, and in the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy.

My soul clings to Thee; Thy right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63: 6-8

What are the thoughts that run through your mind when you lay down to sleep at night?  Mine used to be tormenting.  And to be honest here, sometimes, they still are. I would review my day trying to find the link between something I ate or didn’t eat, some supplement I took or didn’t take, some activity I’d done or some environmental toxin that I may have been exposed to and the pain I was experiencing.  I was convinced there was a link or links and if I could determine which of the variables was responsible for the pain, I could eliminate it and get well.  I don’t know which was worse, the pain or the mental torment but both robbed me, not only of sleep, but peace as well.

Then I began purposing to remember Jesus – to meditate on Him and His promises, His faithfulness, His goodness.  I would pick a short, simple phrase like “Thou hast been my help” and repeat it to myself over and over again like a mantra.    Has that taken away the pain?  Not so much, but this practice has given me relief from mental torment.  I find that pain loses a lot of its ability to destroy my life if I can be at peace and not in fear or torment.  When I meditate on Him and not the variables that may or may not be contributing to my pain, I can be at peace.  How about you?  What thoughts rob you of sleep and peace?  Could meditating on Jesus be a help to you?

Perhaps, instead of stressing about the future, you could make a list to remind yourself of the times, God has been your help in the past, the times His right hand upheld you.  The list doesn’t have to be long, just enough to change the channel in your mind. Just long enough to allow you to drift off into pleasant sleep. 

Jesus, You have been my help, You are my help, You will always be my help.  When the tormenting thoughts keep me awake, nudge me, I pray so that I can meditate on You.  My soul clings to Thee, whom have I but You?  Thank You for Your presence in my life, Your right hand that upholds me and Your peace that rocks me to sleep.  Amen.

I would love to hear from you. Please let me know if I can be praying for you as well.