“Send me Your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell” (Psalm 43:3).
I have many family members who served as police officers. Their preference was working the night shift and to be a part of the night’s action.
Although my physical afflictions are ever present, the night hours can bring more intensity and emotional upheaval. Sleep can be elusive or I can awaken from sleep in turmoil and pain. In the quiet of the night and in the earthly dark hours, fighting afflictions is harder. The daylight hours often offer distractions that take my mind to the duties of the day.
Another dynamic involves that the enemy of my soul, the one who would want me to cave in and to despair, who roams about “seeking who he may devour.” His taunting is louder during the night hours.
Yet I am told in Scripture that my Lord never sleeps or slumbers. He is an ever present help in time of trouble. In the Old Testament I read of the twenty-four hour watchmen on the high towers, trained with keen eyes to keep the enemy forces outside the city gates.
As the men in my family worked, trying to keep safe those who were preyed upon at night, I have the One who is deeply watchful from without and within me. He is light–a light that dispels darkness. It takes deep trust to access this truth when in pain.
To whom or what will I give in when the night watch becomes such a challenge? I want to focus on the One who will lead me up and out of the dark. This may not lead out of the pain but it will dampen the enemy’s scheme to have power in the dark. I choose to allow the Lord to define how best to dispel the effects of the darkness as he remains my day and my night watchman.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be watchful so that I can acknowledge Your presence when the darkness attempts to draw my attention away. Your promise to never forsake me is more powerful than any darkness that comes to steal my peace away. Praises and thanks for being ever near. Amen.
About the Author:
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 30 years of living with daily physical challenges. Visit Lynn’s blog and sign up to receive new postings in your email box! http://lynn-severance.blogspot.com
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How has God helped you when the fear in the night hours becomes strong? What encouragement could you give to someone who feels that they are weak for being scared at such times? What is a favorite Bible verse you keep handy to say aloud to dispel the darkness?
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 