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

In today’s passage, the writer knows about the fear of night, but he has learned a calming secret. When aloneness came, he was determined to turn his mind toward God. He read and reflected on God’s Word. He repeated comforting and encouraging passages. He knew that when God was at his right hand, he would not and could not be shaken.

Psalm 16:7-8
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

When our eyes are on our challenges, 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 counsels me.” Even when we are alone, even in the darkness, a heart focused on Jesus allows us to experience his presence. When he is with us, we will not be shaken.

Father, lonely times are when my mind can wander. I pray that lonely times will be my reminder to meet with you. With you at my side, I will not be shaken. With you at my side, my heart will give me good counsel, even at night. Thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.