Are You Afraid of the Dark? Finding God’s Light in the Darkness

The Fear of Darkness Is Real

Darkness can be unsettling. You can’t see what’s out there, and the unknown can be frightening.

When my children were young, they never wanted to sleep in total darkness. A small nightlight was enough to give them comfort, but there were still places where the light didn’t reach—inside the closet and under the bed. Until I checked those dark spaces and gave them the “all clear” sign, they wouldn’t settle down for the night.

As I think back to those nights, I realize that fear of the unknown isn’t just a childhood problem. Many of us are still afraid of what we can’t see, whether it’s an uncertain future, an unexpected challenge, or a hidden struggle. But just like my children found peace in their nightlight, we can find true peace in God’s light in the darkness. His Word is the ultimate source of comfort, guiding us through every shadow we face.

Monster Spray: A Mother’s Solution to Fear

Back then, I used Aqua Net hairspray, which came in a white pump spray bottle. One day, instead of tossing the empty bottle in the trash, I rinsed it out, grabbed a marker, and wrote MONSTER SPRAY in big, bold letters.

That night, when I tucked my children into bed, I showed them the bottle, walked around their room, and sprayed away all the “monsters” with a fine mist of water.

To my surprise, it worked! They went right to sleep. No more fears, no more calls for Mom to check under the bed. Monster Spray had “banished” the monsters.

Over time, they outgrew their fear of the dark, and Monster Spray was no longer needed.

But in real life, darkness holds real dangers.

Life’s Hidden Dangers

Darkness isn’t just about the absence of light—it’s about the unknown dangers we can’t see.

• I take my dog outside at night with a flashlight to check for coyotes before letting her roam.
• I turn on my headlights when driving in the dark so I don’t miss a turn or hit something unexpected.
• I use a lamp to light up a room so I don’t trip over something in the shadows.

But what about the dangers that aren’t physical?

• Hidden health problems we don’t see coming.
• A looming layoff at work we never expected.
• A crumbling marriage or betrayal we didn’t know was happening.

Just because the sun is shining doesn’t mean there isn’t darkness creeping in our lives.

I once wrote about how uncertain and frightening a dark path can be—both literally and spiritually. If you’ve ever struggled with navigating life’s unknowns, you might enjoy reading A Dark Path Is Scary and Filled with Surprises.

God’s Word: The Ultimate Light in the Darkness

Monster Spray was just a made-up solution to my children’s fear.

But God’s Word isn’t made up—it’s real, powerful, and life-changing.

Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Psalm 119:130 (NIV)
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

God’s Word penetrates the hidden places of our hearts. It shines light into our fears, worries, and anxieties. It guides our steps, reveals truth, and brings healing to the things we once tried to keep in the dark.

Monsters Tremble at His Word

Life has plenty of monsters. Some are hidden, lurking where we least expect them. Others are out in the open, trying to intimidate us.

But I find peace knowing my Lord is King of Kings—and every monster trembles at His Word.

No fear, no darkness, no unknown can stand against the Light of the world.

John 8:12 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

To GOD Goes The Glory

Have A Blessed Day

Let’s End With a Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are my light in the darkness, my guide when I feel lost, and my comfort in the unknown. When fear tries to creep in, remind me that Your Word is my lamp, lighting my path. Help me trust You, even when I can’t see what’s ahead. Let Your presence chase away every fear, every worry, every hidden danger that tries to take hold of my heart.

I put my faith in You alone. The world may hold uncertainties, but You never change. Thank You for being the light that never fades.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.