Nightmares can be distressing, leading to feelings of anxiety, fear, or disturbance. Originating from stress, spiritual struggles, or unresolved feelings, these distressing dreams can disturb our tranquility and hinder restful sleep. The Bible verses for nightmares, however, reassures us of God’s constant proximity and His provision of comfort and protection, even when we are at our most defenseless. His Word serves as a reminder that He is our refuge, and we can seek Him for peace when nightmares disturb us.
Many verses in the Bible refer to God’s might over fear, His capacity to provide restful sleep, and His assurance of protection for His people. From the Psalms to Jesus’ teachings, scripture instructs that God grants us a spirit of strength and peace, not fear. We can find comfort and security by meditating on His promises and calling upon His name, knowing that He watches over us as we sleep.
When nightmares occur often or cause distress, we can turn to God through prayer and the Bible. Verses that mention God’s peace, the protection of His angels, and the certainty of His love can aid in calming our hearts and minds. We can choose to trust that God is greater than any troubling dream and wants us to rest peacefully under His care, rather than letting fear control our thoughts.
In our examination of biblical passages concerning nightmares, we will discover motivation to depend on the might of God and give our fears over to Him. His Word serves as a reminder of His constant presence and readiness to exchange our anxiety for His flawless peace. Regardless of how disturbing our dreams might be, we can take solace in the knowledge that God is with us, steering and safeguarding us as we sleep.
30 Powerful Bible Verses For Nightmares in 2025
1. Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
This verse highlights that true peace comes from God alone. Often, nightmares are caused by stress, anxiety, or even spiritual battles. However, the psalmist reminds us that when we entrust our rest to God, we can sleep peacefully. God is our protector, shielding us from both physical and spiritual harm. When fear tries to invade our minds during sleep, we can claim this promise, knowing that He watches over us. By meditating on this verse before bed, we affirm our faith in God’s power to give us safety and rest.
2. Proverbs 3:24
“If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
This verse reassures believers that trusting in God leads to restful sleep. Fear and anxiety can disrupt our nights, leading to nightmares and restlessness. But when we walk in faith and obedience, we receive divine peace. God wants us to experience “sweet sleep”—one that is undisturbed by fear or spiritual oppression. Before sleeping, it is helpful to pray, ask for God’s protection, and meditate on His promises to replace anxiety with His perfect peace.
3. Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Nightmares often stem from fear—fear of the unknown, fear of harm, or fear rooted in past experiences. But this verse reminds us that God is always present. His words, “Fear not,” are a command and a comfort, showing that we do not have to face our fears alone. His strength upholds us, even in the darkness. When we wake up from a terrifying dream, we can recall this verse and find solace in the fact that God is always near, ready to strengthen and comfort us.
4. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Fear is not from God. Nightmares that bring distress and terror do not align with His spirit of peace and love. As believers, we have been given a spirit of power, enabling us to resist fear. When experiencing troubling dreams, we must remember that God equips us with the authority to rebuke fear and replace it with His love and sound mind. Speaking this verse in prayer can help regain control over anxious thoughts and establish a sense of peace before sleeping.
5. Psalm 91:5-6
“You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”
This powerful promise reassures us that God’s protection covers us day and night. The “terror of the night” includes the fears and anxieties that manifest through nightmares. The enemy often uses nighttime to attack through disturbing dreams, but this verse declares that we do not have to be afraid. When we put our trust in God, His presence surrounds us, shielding us from every form of darkness, including fear-filled dreams.
6. Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Anxiety often fuels nightmares, making sleep restless and distressing. This verse instructs us to replace worry with prayer. When we hand over our fears to God, His supernatural peace takes control, guarding our minds against fear and anxiety. This is not a temporary peace but one that “surpasses all understanding.” If you struggle with nightmares, take a moment before bed to pray, thanking God for His protection and asking for His peace to fill your heart and mind.
7. Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
This well-known verse is a powerful reminder that God’s presence removes fear. The “valley of the shadow of death” can symbolize moments of darkness, including nightmares and night terrors. However, the psalmist declares that even in these situations, there is no need to fear because God is with us. His “rod and staff” symbolize His guidance and protection. When we feel vulnerable in the night, we can hold onto this truth, knowing that God walks with us even in our most terrifying moments.
8. Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Many times, nightmares come from exhaustion—physical, emotional, or spiritual burdens weighing us down. Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest. This rest is not just physical sleep but deep, soul-refreshing peace. When nightmares disrupt our sleep, we should remember this verse and turn to Jesus, surrendering our burdens to Him so that we may find true rest.
9. Psalm 121:7-8
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”
Nightmares can sometimes feel like a form of attack, but this scripture reassures us that God is our ultimate protector. His protection is not limited to specific times or places—it is continuous and everlasting. When we go to sleep, we can trust that He is watching over us, keeping us from harm.
10. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Jesus gives us His peace, which is far greater than anything the world can offer. This means that even when our minds are troubled by nightmares, His peace is available to calm our fears. Instead of letting disturbing dreams shake us, we can claim this promise and trust that Jesus’ peace will guard our hearts.
11. Romans 8:38-39
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Nightmares can make us feel isolated and vulnerable, but this verse reminds us that nothing—not even terrifying dreams—can separate us from God’s love. The enemy may try to use fear against us, but God’s love is stronger. When we wake up from a disturbing dream, we can declare that we are still held by God’s unshakable love, and no force in creation can take that away.
12. Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Fear is one of the main elements of nightmares, but God commands us to be strong and courageous. This verse reassures us that no matter where we are—even in the stillness of the night—God is with us. Instead of allowing nightmares to control our emotions, we can stand firm in the truth that God is our protector and guide.
13. Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Nightmares often leave us feeling abandoned, but this verse reminds us that God never forsakes us. His presence is constant, providing courage when we are afraid. By meditating on this scripture, we can train our minds to reject fear and trust that God is always near.
14. Psalm 3:5
“I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.”
This verse speaks to the sustaining power of God. Even after a restless night filled with nightmares, we can trust that it is God who allows us to wake up each morning. When we acknowledge His protection over our sleep, we shift our focus from fear to gratitude.
15. 1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Anxiety is often the root of nightmares, but God invites us to cast our burdens on Him. Instead of holding onto fear, we should give it to the Lord through prayer. When we surrender our worries, He replaces them with His peace.
16. Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
This verse illustrates the power of God’s presence. Even when nightmares disturb our peace, God’s love has the ability to quiet our fears. Imagine God singing over you as you sleep—His voice drowns out every fear and brings you comfort.
17. Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
This verse highlights the power of seeking God in times of fear. If nightmares torment you, cry out to God. He promises to answer and deliver us. Fear is not stronger than God’s presence, and His power is always greater than anything we face.
18. Isaiah 26:3
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
When our thoughts are centered on God, we experience perfect peace. Nightmares lose their grip when we train our minds to trust in God rather than dwelling on fear. Before bed, meditating on this verse can bring calmness to our spirits.
19. Psalm 16:8
“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
Nightmares try to shake us, but this verse reminds us that when we keep our focus on God, we will not be moved. His presence is our stability, even in moments of fear.
20. Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.”
Sometimes, nightmares feel like spiritual attacks, but God declares that no weapon formed against us will prosper. By praying this scripture, we affirm God’s authority over every fearful situation.
21. Psalm 139:11-12
“If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,’ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.”
No matter how dark the night feels, it is not dark to God. His light shines even in the places where fear tries to take hold. When nightmares trouble us, we can remember that God’s presence turns darkness into light.
22. Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
The peace of Christ is meant to rule our hearts, even while we sleep. If fear tries to take over, we must actively invite His peace to take control.
23. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”
This verse reassures us that God is faithful to protect us. No nightmare, no attack from the enemy, and no fear can stand against His power.
24. Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Worrying about the future can cause restless nights. God instructs us to focus on the present, trusting Him for what’s ahead. When we release our fears, our sleep becomes more peaceful.
25. 1 John 4:4
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
This verse reminds us that God’s power is greater than anything that seeks to trouble us. No nightmare, no fear, and no spiritual attack can overpower Him.
26. Nahum 1:7
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”
When we feel vulnerable at night, God is our stronghold. He provides a place of safety where fear cannot enter.
27. Luke 10:19
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”
We have been given authority over fear and darkness. By using the name of Jesus, we can rebuke nightmares and claim victory over fear.
28. Mark 4:39
“And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
Just as Jesus calmed the storm, He can calm our minds. If we wake from a nightmare, we can pray and declare His peace over our thoughts.
29. Psalm 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Nightmares are burdens that God is willing to take. When we surrender them to Him, He sustains us with His peace.
30. Psalm 121:3-4
“He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
God is always awake, watching over us even when we sleep. Nightmares may try to shake us, but God never stops guarding us.
Conclusion
Nightmares can disturb us, instilling fear and anxiety in our hearts. The Bible, however, offers reassurance that we are never alone, even during the darkest moments of the night. God’s Word is replete with assurances of safeguarding, tranquility, and liberation from fear. As we reflect on these scriptures, we can move our attention from fear to faith, relying on God as our refuge and shield. In the face of nightmares, we can pray with assurance, aware that God surrounds us and that His strength surpasses all that aims to disturb us.
Rather than letting nightmares dictate our feelings, we ought to assume control via prayer and the teachings of God. Reciting these verses at bedtime can help foster a peaceful and secure atmosphere. Regardless of how strong our fears might appear, God’s love dispels all fear, and His peace goes beyond all comprehension. By depending on His promises, we can be confident that He oversees us, protects us through every night, and leads us into His perfect peace.
