Bad dreams.
Nightmares.
I’m awakened from a sound sleep by a girl standing by my bed, frightened by their lingering effect.
One of our daughters has been visiting the land of scary dreams for the last week or two. While I appreciate still being needed for comfort and security, these fears have been causing both she and I to lose sleep. I try a solution that has been successful in the past.
Never underestimate the power of God’s Word. Some time ago, I worked with my other daughter as she spent many nights unable to fall asleep. We used a strategy of reciting certain Bible verses about sleep at bedtime and that has made a huge difference.
For the current situation, Psalm 56:3 seemed to fit perfectly. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” After saying this together just before I tucked her in for the night, we sang the following chorus from a song by Ron Hamilton:
“How can I fear? Jesus is near.
He ever watches over me.
Worries all cease; He gives me peace.
How can I fear with Jesus?”
Two of the last three nights have been nightmare-free. Another benefit? My husband was out-of-town for several nights this week, and the Scripture verse and song were just as much a comfort to me as they were to her!
What ideas have you found useful in helping your children overcome scary dreams or other situations which frightened them?
Wonderful thoughts! We struggle with the fire siren being right behind our home. As you can imagine, when it goes off it is LOUD! Growing up we also had the siren close by, and my mom would come in and we would pray for the fireman nd the people who needed help – which would help me back to sleep. I've started this with my girls – and it's even transferred to during the day when they are awake!
Aurie,
What a wonderful response to the fire siren! That's a great way to take their minds off of the fear they're feeling by concentrating on praying for others who are in need of help.
Fortunately our little ones have not had nightmares, but I love your post offering comforting bible verses before they fall asleep. What a wonderful idea!
My daughter is also experiencing nightmares – it's a new thing for us. We are praying together before bed…asking God to fill her mind with sweet thoughts. We also sing. Children find singing so comforting.
…when I am afraid I will trust in Him, I will trust in Him, in God who's word I praise…
I've never really had to deal with this, but you had the best response possible.
….comfort through God's word – definitely no better solution x