Bible Verses to Read Before Bed

by | Verses

Bible verses to read before bed

What to Read in the Bible Before Going to Bed

Finding peace and rest in the Word of God can be a beautiful way to end each day. We want to meditate on God’s Word day and night. As the night draws in, these selected Bible verses are intended to calm the mind, soothe the soul, and remind us of the Lord’s presence as we prepare for sleep.

Gratitude for the Day: Best Bible Verses for Before Bed

  • Psalm 118:24 (NIV): “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV): “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
  • Ephesians 5:20 (NIV): “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
  • James 1:17 (ESV): “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Reflecting on the blessings of the day and recognizing God’s hand in the smallest details can fill our hearts with gratitude as we lay our heads down to rest.

Trusting God Through the Night: What is a Good Bedtime Bible Verse?

  • Proverbs 3:24 (NIV): “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
  • Psalm 4:8 (ESV): “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
  • Psalm 56:3 (NIV): “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
  • Job 11:18 (ESV): “And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.”

Placing our trust in God as we go to bed can release our fears and allow us to experience the sweetness of true rest, knowing we are safe in His care.

God’s Protection and Presence

  • Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV): “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
  • Psalm 27:1 (ESV): “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
  • Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV): “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
  • Psalm 121:3 (ESV): “He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.”

As we prepare to sleep, we can take comfort in the knowledge that God’s presence is a protective fortress around us, and His watchful eyes never close in slumber.

Releasing the Day’s Burdens

  • Matthew 11:28 (NIV): “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
  • Psalm 55:22 (ESV): “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
  • 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV): “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
  • Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Before we sleep, it is a perfect time to hand over the worries and challenges of the day to God, finding relief and sustenance in His promise of care.

Healing and Renewal

  • Exodus 15:26 (NIV): “For I am the Lord who heals you.”
  • Jeremiah 17:14 (ESV): “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.”
  • Psalm 147:3 (NIV): “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
  • Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

The night can be a time for God’s healing power to work within us, mending our hearts and renewing our strength for the days to come.

Surrendering to God’s Will

  • Proverbs 19:21 (NIV): “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
  • Matthew 6:10 (ESV): “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
  • Psalm 143:10 (NIV): “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
  • James 4:7 (ESV): “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

In the quiet of the night, we can seek the peace that comes from surrendering our plans to God, trusting in His perfect will and guidance.

Reflection and Self-Examination

  • Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV): “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
  • Lamentations 3:40 (ESV): “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!”
  • 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV): “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”
  • Galatians 6:4 (ESV): “But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.”

Taking time before bed to reflect on our actions and thoughts can help us grow in faith and walk in a manner worthy of our calling.

The Promise of a New Day

  • Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV): “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
  • Psalm 30:5 (ESV): “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
  • Psalm 59:16 (NIV): “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”
  • Isaiah 50:4 (ESV): “The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.”

No matter the difficulties we face, we can rest assured that God’s mercies are renewed every morning, offering us hope for a fresh start each day.

Prayers for Restful Sleep

  • Psalm 4:4 (NIV): “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”
  • Psalm 16:7 (ESV): “I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.”
  • Proverbs 6:22 (NIV): “When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.”
  • Psalm 63:6 (ESV): “When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night.”

Ending our day with prayer and meditation on God’s Word can lead to a night of peaceful and restful sleep, guided by His wisdom. Review this also if you struggle to sleep.

Assurance in Christ’s Love

  • Romans 8:38-39 (NIV): “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
  • Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV): “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.”
  • 1 John 4:16 (NIV): “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
  • Psalm 36:7 (ESV): “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”

As we close our eyes to sleep, we can rest in the overwhelming assurance of Christ’s unending love for us, a love that remains constant and unshakable.

Key Takeaways As You Read the Bible Before Bed

  • Ending the day with gratitude allows us to focus on the blessings we have received.
  • Trusting in God’s protection gives us peace to sleep without fear.
  • God’s presence is a constant comfort, even through the darkest night.
  • Releasing our burdens to God ensures we are not weighed down as we rest.
  • The night is a time for healing and renewal, preparing us for what lies ahead.
  • Surrendering our will to God aligns us with His perfect plans for our lives.
  • Self-reflection before bed fosters personal and spiritual growth.
  • The promise of God’s new mercies each morning brings us joy and hope.
  • Prayerful meditation on God’s Word can lead to a restful and tranquil night.
  • The assurance of Christ’s love offers us the deepest peace as we sleep.