Almost every child I know has struggled with nighttime fears, but this type of fear isn’t limited to kids.

 When I was young, the gremlins I never saw in the daylight scurried around under my bed as soon as Mom turned off the light. The creaks and groans I normally attributed to tree branches and the ever-present New England wind became monsters’ footsteps and heavy breathing in the dark. The fears I labeled “silly” became terrifyingly real. 

Even now, nighttime can be the most frightening part of the day. The busyness that distracts me is gone, and my mind is free to wander into dark places where What If gremlins dance. Tragedy lurks at every bend in the road. That couldn’t happen to me becomes Oh yes it could. The constant activity of job, home, family, and ministry pauses, yet I continue to scroll through the To Do list that didn’t get done and fret about the consequences. 

Second Corinthians 10:5 has become my spiritual sword to help me vanquish nighttime fears:

 “Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 

Grab hold of the noisiest fear.

When I struggle to fall asleep or I awaken at 3 a.m., I reach into the swirling melee and grab hold of the noisiest fear. Separated from its slimy comrades, it immediately grows smaller. 

Shine the light of God’s Word on it.

Then I shine the light of God’s Word on it, and it starts to melt like the Wicked Witch of the West before Dorothy’s bucket of water. 

Bring every thought into captivity.

Bringing every thought into captivity to Christ means I remind myself of three truths: 

I can trust God’s sovereignty. Because God is in control, nothing can touch my life that He hasn’t ordained for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28). 

I can trust God’s presence. If God allows a trial to enter my life, He will walk through it with me. “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). 

I can trust God’s provision. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). 

Pray instead of fret.

Finally I determine to pray instead of fret. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). 

For the last few months, I’ve been awakening most nights around 3 a.m. Sometimes fear strikes, bombarding me with scary scenarios. I began implementing the three-step plan of attach I’ve described above, and now 3 am has become one of my favorite times of the day. 

As soon as my brain starts spinning, I pray for whomever or whatever is foremost in my mind. Before fear has a chance to gain a toehold, I blast it with prayer and God’s Word. This two-fold heavenly fear repellent transforms my anxiety into faith, and before long, I slip into a peaceful, God-given sleep. 

David the shepherd boy experienced this worry-free slumber. “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;” he wrote, “For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” If you struggle with nighttime fears, I encourage you give this a try. God promises He will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are fixed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). 

Now it’s your turn. When fear troubles your sleep, what do you do to banish it? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

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