Do you ever have nights when you can’t go to sleep? You toss and turn, and your mind begins to race. Then fear shows up. Anxiety is close behind. For those of you going through times of illness, nights can be the worst. While others sleep, nights are lonely times that invite your mind to entertain all the “what ifs,” and “what ifs” never bring comfort.

In today’s passage, the writer knows about the fear of night but has learned a calming secret.

Psalm 16:7-8
I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

When aloneness came, the psalmist was determined to keep his eyes on the Lord. He read and reflected on God’s Word, repeating comforting and encouraging passages. He knew that when God was with him, he would not and could not be shaken.

When our eyes are on our challenge, self-counsel takes over. Self-counsel opens the door for fear to walk in unchecked. However, when we focus on Jesus, the psalmist says he is the One “who guides me.” Even when we are alone, “even at night,” the heart focused on Jesus gives us comforting and encouraging instruction.

Father, lonely times can cause our minds to wander. We pray that lonely times will remind us to meet with you. With you at our side, we will not be shaken. With you at our side, our hearts will give us good counsel, even at night. Thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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