Even now, nighttime can be the most frightening part of the day. The busyness that distracts me is gone, and my mind is free to wander into dark places where What If gremlins dance. Tragedy lurks at every bend in the road. That couldn’t happen to me becomes Oh yes it could. The constant activity of job, home, family, and ministry pauses, yet I continue to scroll through the To Do list that didn’t get done and fret about the consequences.
Second Corinthians 10:5 has become my spiritual sword to help me vanquish nighttime fears: “Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
When I struggle to fall asleep or I awaken at 3 a.m., I reach into the swirling melee and grab hold of the noisiest fear. Separated from its slimy comrades, it immediately grows smaller.
Then I shine the light of God’s Word on it, and it starts to melt like the Wicked Witch of the West before Dorothy’s bucket of water.
Bringing every thought into captivity to Christ means I remind myself of three truths:
I can trust God's sovereignty. Because God is in control, nothing can touch my life that He hasn’t ordained for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
I can trust God’s presence. If God allows a trial to enter my life, He will walk through it with me. “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
I can trust God’s provision. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Finally I determine to pray instead of fret. “Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
As soon as my brain starts spinning, I pray for whomever or whatever is foremost in my mind. Before fear has a chance to gain a toehold, I blast it with prayer and God’s Word. This two-fold heavenly fear repellent transforms my anxiety into faith, and before long, I slip into a peaceful, God-given sleep.
David the shepherd boy experienced this worry-free slumber. “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;” he wrote, “For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” If you struggle with nighttime fears, I encourage you give this a try. God promises He will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are fixed on Him (Isaiah 26:3).
Now it’s your turn. When fear troubles your sleep, what do you do to banish it? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online and leave a comment.
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Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.
Powerful, Lori. I remember Beth Moore said once, the enemy tends to attack many of us in the dark of night. I woke up at 2 AM this morning although it's usually around 3. And the enemy tends to have a field day in my mind over the current valley I'm walking through where fear and anxiety tend to lurk behind every shadow. So trusting God's sovereignty, presence, and provision are key for me right now. And taking every thought captive. Thanks for this encouraging reminder.
ReplyDeleteIt is true, Karen, those quiet moments can be fertile ground for worry or triumphant times of prayer. I'm praying with you for the peace that passes all understanding to keep your heart and mind.
DeleteThose "night terrors" have somehow grown since I was a little boy. Mythical monsters, scary gremlins, and haunting wisps of fear have been replaced with "What if I can't make the mortgage payment?", "What happens in this job goes away?", all those grown-up "What Ifs" that makes me want to be a carefree little boy. But wait, in God's eyes I am. I'm His "dear child" and He is my "Protector, Comforter, Counselor." Now, to only remember that very thought. What a wonderful post. Let us also not forget our older loved ones. Have learned the hard way of how terrifying those dementia-driven "night terrors" can be and the impact they can have on our families. God's blessings sweet friend.
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