Good Night, Moon: Finding Rest in a Restless World
In a world that never seems to stop demanding our attention, it’s crucial to intentionally turn off the noise and seek peace.
As adults, we often find ourselves lying awake at night, consumed by thoughts of finances, relationships, unresolved issues, and endless to-do lists. While our children sleep soundly, we wrestle with anxiety and overthinking, missing out on the restorative rest God intends for us.
When my children were little, I would read them the classic bedtime story Goodnight Moon. It was a simple ritual to help them wind down and prepare for peaceful sleep. But as adults, many of us need our own version of Goodnight Moon. We need a way to say “good night” to the worries and anxieties that keep us from resting.
The Bible calls us to this kind of peace. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace doesn’t come naturally—it comes from intentionally laying down our burdens before God.
The Practice of Saying Good Night
To embrace God’s peace, we must practice saying good night to the things that steal our rest:
• Finances: “Good night to my worries about provision. Lord, You are my provider (Philippians 4:19).”
• Relationships: “Good night to the conflicts and misunderstandings. Lord, I trust You to mend and restore (Romans 12:18).”
• The To-Do List: “Good night to unfinished tasks. Tomorrow has enough worries of its own (Matthew 6:34).”
• The Past and Future: “Good night to regret and fear. Lord, You hold my past and future in Your hands (Jeremiah 29:11).”
When we cast our cares on Him, we experience the peace Jesus displayed during the storm in Mark 4:35-41. While the disciples panicked, Jesus slept in the boat, undisturbed by the chaos around Him. When awakened, He calmed the storm with the simple command, “Peace! Be still!” His peace was so profound that even the wind and waves obeyed.
Resting in God’s Sovereignty
God calls us to lay our burdens at His feet, trusting Him to handle what we cannot. Psalm 4:8 assures us, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Rest is not just a physical necessity; it is a spiritual act of surrender.
Jesus Himself demonstrated this when He withdrew from the crowds to pray and rest (Luke 5:16). Even as He bore the weight of the world’s redemption, He made time to seek peace in God’s presence. If Jesus—the Savior of the world—prioritized rest, how much more should we?
Renewed Strength for a New Day
When we embrace the peace of God, we wake up with renewed strength, ready to face the day ahead. Isaiah 40:31 promises, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
So tonight, before you lay your head on the pillow, take a moment to say good night to your anxieties. Imagine handing each one to Jesus, trusting Him to hold it while you rest. Remember, the God who created the universe never sleeps (Psalm 121:3-4). He is watching over you.
May your nights be filled with peace, and may you wake up each morning refreshed, ready to face the day with the joy and strength that come from the Lord. Good night, worries. Good morning, peace.
