Starry skies notwithstanding, night is night and it’s
inherently more difficult to see no matter where you are. Nighttime in the
wilderness has the added feature of those pesky nocturnal animals stirring
about and making noises that can send our imaginations soaring.
Night can be a tough time in the wilderness.
My guess is that the wilderness we’re currently in has
disrupted more than a few sleep patterns. During the day it’s easier to stay
engaged and keep the lid on a lot of things but as we lie in our beds at night,
the lid can come off and a whole host of things start spilling out.
In the wilderness, it can be helpful to keep a fire going at
night. It provides light, heat (if you need it) and keeps the wild things away.
That’s exactly what God did when His people were traveling through the
wilderness. He didn’t just provide light—He was their light! Early on in the
Exodus account, God is in front of Israel as a pillar of fire at night but once
the tabernacle was completed, God’s light (over the tabernacle) emanated from
the midst of them (Numbers).
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me
will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Wherever we
journey, or in our present case, don’t go, the light of the Lord is with us. And
that’s the thing to remember about anxieties, fears and worries—they thrive in
darkness but are dispelled by the light.
The next time darkness is getting the best of you, remember His
light and keep the wild things away.
In peace I will lie
down and sleep, for You alone Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
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