What is this terror? It could be a cry of fire, the sound of thieves, imagined fears, or the sudden reality of sickness or death. We live in a world full of sorrow and death, so troubles can come by night as easily as they arrive in broad daylight. But we shouldn't be afraid, because the promise for believers is that we won't be consumed by fear.

Why shouldn't we be afraid? God, our Father, is with us through the night. He is an all-powerful Watcher, a sleepless Guardian, a true Friend. Nothing happens outside His will, even the realms of hell are under His command.

Darkness isn't dark to Him. He's promised to be a wall of fire around His people. Who can break through that? Those without Christ might well be fearful, facing an angry God, a guilty conscience, and a looming hell. But in Jesus, we are saved from all this by abundant mercy.

If we give in to fear, we dishonor our faith and cause others to question the truth of godliness. We should fear being afraid, as it offends the Holy Spirit by doubting Him. Let go of worries and baseless fears. God hasn't stopped being gracious or loving. It may be night in our soul, but we need not be terrified. The God of love doesn't change. Even when children of light seem to walk in darkness, this isn't abandonment. Instead, it's a chance to trust our heavenly Father, something a hypocrite cannot do. "Though the night be dark and dreary, Darkness can't hide from you; You're He, who, never weary, Watches where your people be."