As a child, I was incredibly scared of the dark at bedtime.

I’m not really sure where that fear initially took root in my life. I just know that as far back as I can recall, it was there to greet me every time my parents said good-night, turned off my light, and shut the door.

And, just to be clear, this wasn’t a pint-sized, flick-it-away kind of fear. This was the extra-large kind of terror where I didn’t stick anything from my neck down outside of the covers.

(In case you didn’t know, apparently there’s an unspoken rule with the boogeyman under the bed that he can’t touch you if you’re under the covers.)

It was a nightly ritual and the older I got, the more prevalent the fear became.

Then, as an older teenager, I met Jesus, began to read my Bible, and discovered that there are wonderful (and very specific) promises to combat bedtime fears.

“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety.” (Psalm 4:8 CSB)

“The fear of the Lord leads to life; one will sleep at night without danger.” (Proverbs 19:23 CSB)

“You will not fear the terror of the night, the arrow that flies by day.” (Psalm 91:5 CSB)

To be clear, as I began to discover these gems in the Scriptures, I didn’t immediately find freedom from the fear that tried to overshadow me every night.

It took effort and required me being intentional about believing, saying, and praying these verses whenever I felt afraid.

I had to activate faith in the moment, trust that what God said was true, and let Him do the rest.

The Scripture tells us in Isaiah 55:11 that God’s word does not return to Him empty but will accomplish and prosper what He sends it out to do.

God will always be true to His word and do what He says He will do.

But getting used to praying His promises over our life takes practice. The more you do it, though, the easier it gets.

Most of us have been impacted in some way by bedtime fears (our own or our children’s, perhaps).

The good news is the promises of God are available to all – grown-ups and children alike – and are effective in putting nighttime fears to flight so we can sleep well.

Here’s to peaceful rest for you and yours!

Until next time, Grace and Glory!