Nerve Medicine

Read: Psalm 116:1-7; Philippians 4:4-9

More than an hour after Amelia had gone to bed at her grandparents’ home, she still had not fallen asleep. She tried everything she could think of to relax her mind, but nothing worked. Finally, she slipped out of bed and went to find Grandma.

“Grandma, I saw an ad on TV about sleeping pills,” said Amelia. “Do you have any? Can I have some?”

“I don’t have any—and I don’t think it would be good for you to take anything like that anyway, Amelia,” said Grandma.

Amelia sighed. She thought Grandma might say something like that. “But I just can’t get to sleep,” she said.

“You’re probably worried about the divorce hearings tomorrow, aren’t you?” asked Grandma, giving Amelia a hug.

Amelia nodded. She felt better just having Grandma close. “It makes me nervous,” she said, wishing she could tell Grandma exactly how she felt. But Amelia couldn’t put her emotions into words. “I’m afraid of what will happen.”

“It’s been bothering me too,” Grandma told her. “We need to keep on praying for your mom and dad.” Grandma was silent for a moment, and Amelia guessed their feelings were almost the same.

“Sleeping pills might make our bodies go to sleep, but I think there’s an even better medicine for our nerves.” Grandma picked up her Bible and opened it. “I’ll read one of my favorite passages to you. It’s in Philippians, and I think it will help both of us.”

As Grandma read out loud, Amelia noticed the Bible verses encouraged her to pray about everything. “Amelia, as your Savior, Jesus promises to be with you in every situation,” Grandma said when she finished reading. “He wants you to trust Him with the things you’re worried about so you can feel His peace—no matter what happens.”

Grandma prayed and asked God to quiet their nerves and give them rest. She also prayed for Amelia’s parents.

“I think I can go to sleep now,” Amelia said as she hugged Grandma. “Thanks for reading those Bible verses to me. That was good nerve medicine.”

Amelia settled back into bed, and even though she was still nervous, she felt better knowing Jesus promised to be with her and give her peace.

–Esther M. Bailey

How about you? Has something been making you nervous recently? The next time you feel troubled, tell Jesus what’s bothering you. Read some Bible verses that remind you He loves you and is always with you. He gave His life to save you, and you can trust Him to be with you through everything. Ask Him for peace despite the difficulties. If you’re still nervous, talk to a trusted adult about your worries too.

Today's Key Verse: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV) Philippians 4:7

Today's Key Thought: Jesus brings you peace