We sometimes joke about waking up on the wrong side of the bed, but we don’t talk nearly enough about sleeping on the right side. If we make plans to connect with God first thing in the morning, why not pray to Him as our last act of the night?
Ideally, as our first love, God should be who we seek first when a day starts and ends. Establishing a rhythm with God is bound to produce fruit in our lives. We’ll learn more about Scripture, deepen our relationship in prayer, grow into the image of Christ, and find ourselves focusing less on the world, and more on what the eye does not see. Colossians 3:2 tells us, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Easier said than done, but so worthwhile. If you’re interested in going to bed on the right side, consider these Bible verses to end your day. Read them, write them, and recite them. The more you know Scripture, the more you can use God’s Word in your time of need.
“This is the day the Lord has made; let’s rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
What a positive way to end the day, expressing gratitude and contentment with what God has provided. Every day doesn’t include what we ask of Him, but every day includes Him giving us what we need.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; Rejoice in the Lord always. I will repeat it: Rejoice! He leads me beside quiet waters.” (Psalm 23:1-3)
This verse from David reminds us that God acts as a guide for those who choose to follow Him. He will lead us into peace and a place where all our needs are met.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
There will be good days and there will be bad days throughout our entire lives. Sometimes those bad days are consecutive and seem to go on forever. No matter how long your dark season lasts, those nights spent crying are all for a purpose. This is a promise from God that all things work together for good. Good things and bad things.
“You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Trust in God is very different from trust in the world. That’s why His peace is perfect, and the world is not. God is not prone to fallibility like people. When we find peace in Him, we don’t lose it due to circumstances. That’s a helpful truth to remember during any sleepless night.
“When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you set in place, what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)
Sometimes we struggle with anxiety, depression, and doubt because we focus too much on our situations. And really, sometimes we focus too much on ourselves. If we can take a step back and remember who holds the world in place, we’ll see that what appears dire to us is nothing compared to God’s sovereignty.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
We can choose to be bitter with God, upset that He hasn’t blessed us in desired ways. However, deciding to rejoice in Him will lead to many more days ending positively.
“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me.” (Psalm 27:10)
Going to bed with a looming divorce, a strained relationship or an ask-risk job can feel very unpleasant. Whatever discomfort we face, God cares for us. His love is not dependent on that of people.
“Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity.” (Ephesians 4:26-27)
If we want to wake up in a good mood, sleeping on the right note is a great idea. The idea behind this verse is not to allow anger to fester. This tidbit of wisdom is helpful for other negative feelings too.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)
Recognizing how great God is helping us keep life in proper perspective.
“For I know the plans I have for you’—this is the Lord’s declaration—‘plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
God’s promise for good plans means we can stay encouraged. Whether we are in a season of goodness or one of suffering, good plans will come again in the future.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)
Guilt can make any day end on a sour note. Offending God or offending people does not produce Christian joy. Thankfully, regret is not how we have to end the day. God forgives us.
"Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)
God is in control of our lives. We can look to nature as a great example. What does He do for the birds, the bears, squirrels, the insects? What more will He do for us?
You may not have the best habit of reading Scripture in the morning or night. You may not have the best routine of praying to God. Those shortcomings don’t stop God from loving you. Your suffering doesn’t prevent His love. He seems to love us no matter what.
Let us respond in kind, thanking Him, praising Him, and going to bed meditating on this beautiful truth. Even if today wasn’t so great, there’s beauty we can find tomorrow.
