One of my favorite childhood picture books was Dr. Seuss’ One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. It concludes with a cozy scene. “And now good night. It is time to sleep. So we will sleep with our pet Zeep. Today is gone. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one. Every day, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.” Of course, the illustration is complete with smiling, sleeping children.

What about us? When our head finally lands on our pillow, can we take a deep breath and close our eyes with a smile? Do we recount the blessings of the day? Recall the things we are thankful for? Surrender our worries and burdens to the One capable of carrying them through the night? If we awaken in the wee hours, can we again let go and ignore the fears that fight to haunt us or prod us into consciousness?

Psalm 63:6-7 says, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.” Here’s another favorite: “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with His love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

These verses remind us to remember our God. We are in His loving care as He is near and ready to help. For that we may even sing to Him, perhaps not aloud if someone is sleeping nearby, but we can sing to Him in our hearts. Recalling worship songs or encouraging Scriptures helps put our mind at rest. We may even imagine the Lord singing a symphonized lullaby over us so we can sleep soundly with a smile.

May the Lord bless your rest.