Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
There is a very lucrative business based upon the enjoyment people get from being scared. Myriads of books and movies are sold with plots based on “things that go bump in the night.” But our verse for today says, “Do not be afraid.”
What are the terrors of the night to which our verse refers? They’re anything that makes you think that there’s something lurking in the darkness ready to do harm. Maybe it’s a noise coming from the basement that makes you think that someone has broken into your house. Maybe it’s the sound of heavy armor advancing towards you on the battlefield. Things that cause fear are usually things we cannot control.
Why shouldn’t you be afraid? Uncontrolled fear shows a weakness of faith. The Bible promises that the Lord will be with us at all times, night or day. Indeed, the Bible says, “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection,” (Psalm 91:4). The protection of the Lord doesn’t cease to function just because it’s dark outside. The Lord doesn’t take time off after dark.
Instead of fear, then, there should be peace and calm. “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty,” (Psalm 91:1). The Lord is the solution to the terrors of the night. “This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him,” (Psalm 91:2).
Surely, everyone will be caught off-guard at times and fear will rise up from within. The spiritually mature, however, quickly gather their emotions and pray to the Lord for courage and wisdom to deal with a real threat. They quickly call out to the One who can help them confront the terrors of the night and overcome their fears of them.
The initial rise of fear is understandable, but you mustn’t allow it to linger and challenge your faith in God’s protection. For He is our ever-present help in trouble.
