We all have worries, problems that seem unsolvable, and anxieties that follow us around like a daunting shadow. Without God, we would be overwhelmed by worry and fear to the point of despair, and these things could easily crush us under their weight. Though coping with angst is difficult at any time of day, it is especially challenging to quiet our soul in the empty space of a dark night. During the light of day, we can distract ourselves with the hustle and bustle of an endless to-do list, making sure that we never stop moving long enough to allow our mind to settle. But, we can only keep our anxieties and fears at arm’s length for so long before we are forced to confront them once again when night falls. In the lonely silence of our dark bedroom, every anxiety over our family, financial what-if scenario, and worry over a worsening illness comes creeping back into the forefront of our mind. With every worry spinning out of control, we become wider and wider awake, leaving us in a restless and sleepless night. If we allow our mind to run away with our anxieties, carrying each one to its worst possible outcome, we exclude God from our future. We forget that we have a Protector, a perfect Father, and a loving refuge who is watching over us even as we fretfully ignore Him while lying awake in bed. He protects us day and night, seeing that our life goes according to His perfect plan, faithfully acting as our shield in the face of an attack or crisis. No matter how big our problems may seem, we can sleep soundly knowing that we can take refuge under the soft feathers of His wings. It pains our Father to see us scared or worried. If we trust in Him, our sleep will be sweet because we know that the creator of heaven and earth is guarding us and our home, and He alone can and will sustain us. Our fears and worries our not ours to panic over when we have a Father that spends His time establishing each of our steps and keeping us from slipping. If we call to Him in the night, placing our anxiety at His feet, He will lift us up and calm our mind and soul. He answers our prayers with comfort and reassurance if we allow Him into our minds long enough to calm the storm. If we depend on Him, our trust is well placed. Because our Protector never falls asleep on the job, we can rest with peace of mind.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” Psalm 91:4-6

 “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

 “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” Psalm 3:3-5

 “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. ” Psalm 121:2-3

 “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24