Psalm 91:5

What is this terror? It may be the cry of fire, the noise of thieves, imagined appearances, or the shriek of sudden sickness or death. We live in a world of death and sorrow; therefore, we may expect troubles both in the night watches and beneath the glare of the broiling sun.

Nor should this alarm us, for whatever the terror may be, the promise is that the believer will not be afraid. Why should he be afraid? Let us ask more pointedly: why should we be afraid? God our Father is here and will be here all through the lonely hours. He is an almighty Watcher, a sleepless Guardian, a faithful Friend.

Nothing can happen without His direction, for even hell itself is under His control. Darkness is not dark to Him. He has promised to be a wall of fire around His people—and who can break through such a barrier? Worldly people may well be afraid, for they have an angry God above them, a guilty conscience within them, and a yawning hell beneath them; but we who rest in Jesus are saved from all these through rich mercy.

If we give way to foolish fear, we will dishonor our profession and lead others to doubt the reality of godliness. We ought to be afraid of being afraid, lest we vex the Holy Spirit by foolish distrust. Down, then, you dismal forebodings and groundless apprehensions! God has not forgotten to be gracious, nor has He withheld His tender mercies. It may be night in the soul, but there need be no terror, for the God of love does not change. Children of light may walk in darkness, but they are not therefore cast away. No, they are now enabled to prove their adoption by trusting in their heavenly Father, as hypocrites cannot do.

“Though the night is dark and dreary,
Darkness cannot hide from You;
You are He, who, never weary,
Watches where Your people are.”