Do you ever have difficulty “turning off” your mind when you lay your head on your pillow at night? I know this happens to me from time to time. Our brains like to work overtime!
The human mind is fascinating. It can trap numerous facts, make decisions, and change focus from one second to the next. Our minds work so hard during the day that sometimes at night they just won’t quit. The brain can continue firing thoughts in bullet-like fashion until we “turn it off” and choose to let go of the day’s responsibilities. Otherwise, thoughts like these keep us awake:
When is my dentist appointment?
How will I ever get everything done?
I wish I had helped her more.
I really shouldn’t have snapped at him when I was angry.
Did I move that frozen fruit to the refrigerator to thaw?
Sound familiar? I hope this post helps you remember to still those tumbling thoughts from your day and fall asleep peacefully. Talking to God in prayer and remembering the thoughts below help me to rest peacefully. Maybe they will encourage you, and maybe you can use similar thoughts to help someone else who struggles to rest well.
Evening Rest
A vibrant peach hue glows through the branches as the sun nestles low in the sweet gum tree.
Firefly stars sparkle in the grass.
A feathered creature renders his solo announcing the coming darkness.
Crickets chirp with rapid yet peaceful cadence.
Frogs join the chorus of creation’s dusk anthem.
Day is done.
Finished.
Over.
Nothing more can be accomplished.
Let go of your troubles, child of God.
Worry not.
The dawn brings a fresh start.
Pull the sheet to your chin.
Close your eyes.
Take a deep breath.
Accept peace from the Prince of Peace.
Thank Him for today.
Listen as He draws the curtain closed on another day and whispers,
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
–John 14:27 NASB
Thank You, Father, for designing days with an ending. Frustrations and missed opportunities abound, yet you offer mercy, forgiveness, and peace. May tomorrow’s words and actions be acceptable to You. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. 
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
–Philippians 4:7, NASB
What are your thoughts about peaceful rest? Please share in the comment section.
Thank you, Jeannie. I needed that. Just to rest in him, a habit that needs to be formed. Nights are long when the cares of life keep rolling in your head. His peace, my desire.
Cathy, thank you so much for taking time to comment! These responses really encourage me to keep writing as God leads. I love your last sentence which sums up the post. I share that desire.
Thank you, Jeannie! (If I knew how to forward this to Brett and Ashley Kavanaugh right now, I would. They could probably use it!) Your words are so soothing and are a great reminder of the One who has everything under control.
We all need reminders, don’t we? I appreciate your encouragement more than you know.
I love all the pictures, but the last one made me smile. May God grant me the peaceful repose of a “pooch”!
I loved that dog sleeping, too. If only we’d learn to be that peaceful as God intends, we’d be far more peaceful day and night. Thank you.
Jeannie, Even sometimes when I fall asleep quickly, I have some of the wildest and craziest dreams and I’m convinced that’s because my brain isn’t truly ‘resting’ because I had so much on my mind when I fell asleep! Thank you for the reminder to rest in Him. I plan to dwell on these thoughts when I close my eyes tonight and see if my dreams aren’t as bizarre as they seem to be on ‘unrestful’ days!!
Julie, I know exactly what you mean. I need those reminders, too, to turn my brain off and trust the Lord for peaceful sleep. Thanks for reading, my friend.
The Lord’s peace is definitely a blessing. I have trouble putting myself in bed…there always seems to be one more thing to do!
I totally understand the “one more thing to do.” When I stay up too late, I wonder why I didn’t go to bed and finish those tasks when I’m fresher in the morning. We’re all still learning to trust God, aren’t we?
Great thoughts, Jeannie. Wish I read this last night 😉 , perhaps I wouldn’t be yawning my head off today. Thanks for the reminder. Loved your prayer at the end. I’ve copied it down for tonight, and I will “accept the peace from the Prince of Peace.” Blessings!
Penny,thank you for reading and letting me know the prayer will help you. That means a lot. I probably need to print it for myself.
Jeannie, what a beautiful post. Love the picture of the resting dog! Yes, many times I’ve asked my mind to stop. I like to remember Ps. 127:2: “…for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
Debbie, thank you for reading and for adding this wonderful verse. If only we would rest like that dog. 😉
Jeannie, I felt like your message was written just for me! Do I have an over-active brain–YES! Some of the questions you asked are the same ones I feel after a hectic day, “Did I do this? I shouldn’t have done that…” Loved your pictures and your prayer. Tonight, I will think of the peaceful solitude your post exemplifies. Thanks for the blessing.
Katherine, I am so happy the post was a blessing to you. I think many of us have the nighttime “overactive” brain problem. Prayer certainly helps, doesn’t it?
What a restful post, Jeannie! Your pictures and words are so calming. Sometimes, when I struggle to go to sleep, I think about Zephaniah 3:17 and I imagine God singing lullabies over me.
Sherry, thank you for commenting and adding this verse. Blessings to you.
Thanks so much. Really enjoyed this. Perfect way to end my evening!
I’m so glad, Jonathan. Thank you.
I often struggle to quiet my mind when I quiet my body. I hadn’t thought of recalling beautiful, peaceful images. Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll try it tonight!
Also, “my peace” is one of favorite go-to verses, recited while I take a couple of deep breaths.
Carole, I appreciate your comments. We all need Scripture to address daily–and nightly–challenges, don’t we?