Trouble sleeping?

You are not alone. Over 70 million Americans report having insomnia from time to time. If you're like me, I've battled this problem all my life. Part of it is just having a nervous disposition, part of it is this darn creative brain of mine won't shut down! But I think part of it is the stressful world we live in. For us Christians, I could also include a demonic influence that disturbs our sleep. After all, the Devil would love nothing more than have us walking around like zombies, unable to do God's work. Don't you think he'd assign some nasty demon to try and keep us up all night? Paul tells us in Ephesians that we do not battle against flesh and blood.

There's a couple of things I would suggest and that have worked for me, by experience.

1. Read the word of God out loud before going to bed
2. If possible, fill your house with praise music as often as you can (demons hate this!)
3. Write out your favorite verse, one that gives you peace, and put it close to your bed.
4. Pray as you are falling asleep.
5. Recite and remember the following scriptures on sleep:

"You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe." Psalm 4: 7-8

"You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap." Proverbs 3: 24-26

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat for he grants sleep to those he loves. " Psalm 127:1-3

If you read the entire chapters associated with these scripture, you'll find the key to being able to claim these promises. You must be fully committed to God. You must fear God. You must allow Him to be the one building the house of your soul.

Sweet dreams!