The darkness can be fearful. You don’t know exactly what all
is there. Perhaps the darkness is of the soul, a time of darkness in your life
with the Lord or in your circumstances, what John of the Cross called “the
dark night of the soul.” Jesus has promised to be ever with you: “Lo, I am with
you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Through the night watch,
the Lord is there.There is no difference in darkness or light to Him (Job 34:22; Psalm 139:11-12; Jeremiah 23:24). Often the dark is a time to be quiet with God (Psalm 46:10), because God speaks in the darkness (Matt. 10:27; Job 33:13-18).
From one end of the Scripture to the other we hear His tender pleading, “Fear not!” Fear will rob you of the peace of God. When the Spirit of the living God indwells us, fear is not supposed to control us continually – even if the fear is from intimidation or the unknown.
Fear is always the tool of the adversary who uses it to make us doubt God’s goodness, doubt God’s power, doubt God’s intentions. Fear gives birth to doubt. Doubt destroys trust and gives birth to unbelief (John 20:24-29; Heb. 3:12, 19; 4:1-2). Paul says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Tim. 1:7). Through the night watch, the Lord is there.
We fear because we doubt his love and care. You can defeat the fear found in the darkness (Psalm 3:5-6, 91:1-7). The baseline weapon against fear is being convinced of the love of God. Perfect love casts out a spirit of fear (1 John 4:18). Plant yourself in the Word (Psalm 16:7; 119:55, 148). Lift up a song of praise (Psalm 63:6-8; 77:6; 149:4-5), joining the Lord as He sings over you in the night (Psalm 42:8; Zeph. 3:17; Isa. 62:5).
Sink down into the loving heart of God. Cease striving and rest (Psalm 4:8; 127:2) in the comfort of His faithfulness (Psalm 92:1-2; 121:2-8), in the confidence of His protection (Isaiah 27:2-3; Prov. 3:23-26; Psalm 91:1-2). Remain still in the darkness (Psalm 46:10). God walks on the darkness and He wears it as a covering (Psalm 18:9, 11). Therefore you will find Him in the dark night watch (Lam. 2:19).
Pay attention in the night watch, and listen to what the Lord gives you of Himself (Psalm 3:3, 5). Listen simply. Let Him be your confidence (Prov. 3:26). Thank Him for the sweetness of His Presence. Obey what He tells you. Through the night watch, the Lord is there.
What has God revealed to you from His Word, and how is He applying it to your life? How is He speaking to your need?
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