night.
It seems that night time is a hard time for a lot of people. During the day, I am so busy and there’s so many things to get done that I don’t have time to worry or stress about stuff. It’s when the lights are out, my body is still, and my world is quiet that my mind often starts racing, and the fears and worries start creeping in.
I worry about all kinds of things – work, finances, the future, health. But my main fears are always about losing someone close and dear to me – a family member or friend. It’s something I think about every day, especially at night time.
And the nights that Funnel is staying overnight for his job are especially hard. I’ve always had an irrational fear of being alone by myself at night. I guess I’ve just watched two many scary movies and “Unsolved Mystery” episodes over the years. I have a hard time falling asleep and I never feel completely safe by myself.
Right now I am doing a Beth Moore Bible study called “Stepping Up” that’s on the 14 Psalms of Ascent. One of the things we’re supposed to do over the course of the study is memorize Psalm 121. Last night, I was feeling unsettled and having trouble falling asleep, so I started reading Psalm 121.
Psalm 121.
I lift my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.He will not let your foot slip –
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber or sleep.The Lord watches over you –
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.The Lord will keep you from all harm –
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming
and going
both now and forevermore.
This Psalm has so many great images of night and sleeping. It really comforted and calmed me last night…
I can sleep in peace, because God never sleeps. I have a visual of God standing watch during the night over me and everyone I care about.
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:34 am
Jen,
I really liked this post. I think that night time is when Satan knows he can tempt us the most, and that’s when it’s most important to pray. I really like this study too. Well love you and maybe soon I’ll get to hang out with you, busy girl. talk to you soon.
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:58 am
Jen – this post sounded so familiar to me. I too, have struggles in the dark, quiet hours. Our minds race with “what ifs….” and “what shall I do” and so many times these things never even come to pass. I agree with Amy – it is the perfect time for us to be tempted. Being able to recall His Word is so powerful and comforting. I’m also so grateful for this study! It is challenging me in new ways to trust in Him even more than before.
Here is a verse my parents taught me when I was small, and afraid to sleep:
“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.”
Ps. 3:5 (Another Psalm of King David)
We love you and are praying for you and Funnel. See you tonight!
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Another comfort (at least for me, when I was younger) is that there are always other people awake—you aren’t completely alone in being awake. Firefighters are one example. Somehow I feel safer just knowing there are other people up at that time.
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:11 am
Whenever I feel scared or worried at night I always ask God to make me feel safe and protected in God’s loving arms. Whenever I ask for that it feels as if almost immediately God has wrapped God’s arms around me. If I also feel like my mind keeps going to scary things like death I also ask for God to quiet my mind and think of nice things. Try it. It helps.
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:47 am
amy: yeah, this study is awesome isn’t it? i want to hang out soon too. after this week things should be less busy. Thanks for the comment.
debbie: what a great verse! i will put it to memory. we appreciate your prayers.
sarah: that’s a great thought. how comfoting. and a lot of the people up at that time are people who help if things go wrong – police officers, fire fighters like you said, hospital works.
kerri: i will start praying for that. my mind needs quieting so often!
– jen.
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:52 am
Pslam 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety
This is the verse I recite when I can’t sleep.