When Darkness Falls

God never sleeps or slumbers (Psalms 121:4) but all through the night He watches over us.

Some are afraid of the dark. The uncertainty of not waking up is a very real fear for some. Others can't sleep but find themselves tossing and turning from troubling thoughts. They yearn for the morning light. While others are afraid of nightmares that suddenly jolt them out of a deep sleep. The monsters of the past keep revisiting night after night.

But all through the night the Lord keeps a vigil over us. His eyes never grow drowsy but keeps them on us.

Shortly after Israel left Egypt they found themselves at the bank of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in hot pursuit. But the Lord kept a vigil that night to watch over them (Exodus 12:42). It was night never to be forgotten. The Lord parted the waters to lead Israel to safety. The Egyptian army foolishly pursued them to their destruction.

Beloved, we have this promise in Psalms 4:8 "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety" (NIV). God promises His peace to comfort our hearts and calm the storms in our minds so we can rest. We don't have to be afraid of the shadows or when the first ray of light breaks through the early morning hours. God is with us all through the night!

Can you imagine the Lord whispering in your ear through the dark quiet hours?

Psalms 42:8 says, "By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life." (NIV, also see Job 35:10).

Yes, He sings and speaks to our hearts while our subconscious may be not be fully aware but our spirit communes with Him. His lullaby of deliverance and victory lulls us into a deep sleep. He sings a medley of peace and assurance to calm our troubled minds (Zephaniah 3:17). When we wake our bodies and minds feel refreshed and renewed.

It's in the night hours God speaks His precious and loving thoughts to us - thoughts that speak of hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Perhaps that is why David writes, "Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand-- when I awake, I am still with you." (Psalms 139:18, NIV).

Should you hear His voice in the midnight hour do as Samuel was instructed. Simply say, "Speak Lord, I'm listening." (I Samuel 3:10).

You wouldn't believe the secrets God wants to share to His children of light when darkness falls.