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.
Funny, your post was very similar to our sermon at church this morning. Apparently I really needed to hear it again! Love your Sunday posts!
Good post. I still can’t sleep in a completely dark room. I leave my bedroom door cracked and the light from my security base station gives enough light my room isn’t completely dark.
Beautiful words! God bless you🙏🏻
Tania, Thank you for this wonderful post. I pray for strength everyday to face my fears. I sure am grateful I have the Lord to turn to. Keep these wonderful posts coming.
I always feel really afraid when these bad storms go through and that’s the way I felt last night. I was really scared but everything was OK for us, but not for everyone. I know tornadoes hit many areas, but I enjoyed reading your message this morning and I’m gonna really try hard to trust in my father and his beloved son thank Tania 🙏🏻🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
Thank you for this thoughtful post today. My monster spray is a small cross that stays on my bedside table. On those nights when stress or anxiety attack, I reach for that cross, hold it in my hand and say to My Lord…Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling. He is sufficient.
That’s how I feel about the cross necklace I wear. When I wake up with anxious thoughts, I feel for my necklace and run it between my fingers as I pray to the Lord.
Thank you so much for you words of wisdom and sharing. It really spoke to me today. You always seem to know the right things to say at the right time and the right prayers. I appreciate you. I look forward to you wise word. I have so many things going on right now in my life. Trying to prepare to move, taking,care of some health issues. At 76, sometimes all seems impossible and I just pray and it gets me through it and your inspirational words sure help.
Thank you so much
I’ll so glad that this post was meant for you to read.
Thank you for this reminder!
Thank you for this wonderful reminder of what we’re supposed to do. Although sometimes easier said than done.
You are a blessing!!!!
Thank you for another uplifting message. I really struggle with fear of the unknown so this is a wonderful reminder that nothing can dim the light and love of God.