Daniel’s Story: A Christian Evening Meditation for Tranquil Sleep 

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Sleep can be painfully elusive when we have much on our minds. It seems that whenever I snuggle down with my pillow and blanket for rest, my mind gallops into warp speed. Worries over my children, bills to pay, the next day’s jam-packed schedule, illness, workplace stress, and what-ifs pummel my mind until the sweet slumber I anticipated all day vanishes without a trace. The idea of a Christian evening meditation to help me sleep intrigues me. 

Of late, Proverbs 3:24 has probed my thoughts. “You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly” (NLT). In this verse, Solomon is expounding on the results of wisdom—and the result is rest.  

The key is found in the first part of the verse. “You can go to bed without fear…” Ending the day without fear is easier said than done, but we find a beautiful example in the life of Daniel. His story will help settle your mind when you use it for a Christian evening meditation. 

Daniel’s Story

As Daniel served King Darius in the land of the Medes and Persians, the king enacted a law stating the people of the land could only pray to the him, yet Daniel was resolute in worshiping the Living God. “But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God” (Daniel 6:10, NLT), 

When his worship was discovered, officials threw him into a den of lions in the evening, and the King declared, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you” (verse 16). How correct King Darius was. Daniel did not give power to his fears, his worries, or the what-ifs that plague so many of us. He fixed his heart on God alone.  

Officials sealed Daniel in with the lions overnight. In a twist of irony, the one who lost sleep that night was the king.  

Putting Your Fear in God’s Hands

I often wonder what that night must have been like for Daniel–in utter darkness, listening to the footfalls of the roaming lions. Did he tremble? Did he sleep? Did he sing praises to God? Somehow, I think he managed to rest in some form or fashion because God was there with him. 

Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” 

Daniel answered, “Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty” (Daniel 6:19-22, NLT). 

When we focus on fear, we aren’t remembering Who God is or what He can do. Daniel had total faith in the God who redeemed and preserved him.  

Evening Meditation Suggestions

Try this evening meditation: Close your eyes and list the attributes of God. Start with His name and then move on to His character. Thank Him for being who He is and surrender your worries into His capable hands. Your mind will be at ease, and your slumber sweet. 

Another suggestion for your Christian evening meditation is an Abide sleep story or an audio biblical meditation. Falling asleep to a Bible-based sleep story can help your heart and your mind trust fully in God. Here’s a short example based on Daniel’s story.

You can experience a biblical meditation any time of day. Many enjoy meditating in the morning to start their day off right. But enjoying one during an evening meditation can help calm you for the night as well. Here’s the short version of an Abide meditation also taken from the book of Daniel and the story of the lion’s den.

For even more resources for Christian evening meditation, download the Abide app. Our 400+ Bible-based sleep stories and more than 1500 biblical meditations all exist to help you experience the peace of Christ. Use this link for 25% off a premium subscription, giving you access to all our sleep stories plus much more. 

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”

Lamentations 3:22-23, New Living Translation

Tara is an award-winning author and speaker. She loves to write stories that help people break free from the lies they believe about themselves. Connect with her at www.TaraJohnsonStories.com.