Bedtime is Biblical

There are natural rhythms built into a 24 hour period. Day and night are divided and distinct and this is good (Genesis 1:3-5). I believe that one of the greatest gifts that we’ve given our children is an understanding of the importance of sleep. And there is no doctor in the world who doesn’t acknowledge how vital it is for our health and wellbeing. This is even more critical for children as they are growing and developing. Isn’t it amazing how the truth and the wisdom given to us in God’s Word is so evident in our lives? All throughout scripture there are reminders of why sleep is so vital and what we gain from making it a priority.

Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.“

And my personal favorite; Matthew 8:24 “Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.” Jesus needed sleep too!

I’m of the belief that there are very simple things, things that have been true for millennia, which we have over complicated. Things that, if we were to get back to valuing, would impact our homes and, by extension, our communities for the better. One of those is having a bedtime. Whether it’s your younger child, your teenager or you as an adult, it’s impossible to overstate how critical it is to get a good night’s sleep. And I’m going to suggest two things that shouldn’t be controversial but, sadly, seem to be.

• Putting your younger kids to bed before yourself allows for sweet, unhurried, meaningful routines that are foundational to childhood. And it gives you kid-free time to rest and connect with your spouse before you go to bed.
• Teenagers need bedtimes too and phones shouldn’t be left in their rooms at night. We have all of the data and evidence we need to prove this is true. It’s irrefutable.
• Place a high value in your home on the natural rhythms of a day as it provides stability in an unstable world.

Simple truths told simply.

That’s my heart for this space and I hope you are encouraged today!