Finding Joy Before the Morning Comes - Your Nightly Prayer - October 11

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Finding Joy Before the Morning Comes

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness…” Psalm 30:11

SOMETHING TO PONDER

There’s a phrase many new mamas are familiar with: the nighttime scaries. It’s a postpartum reference to that creeping anxiety that slowly crawls up your body, wrapping its way around your ankles and suffocating your brain. It cuts off oxygen to hope and joy as its sinister lies whisper of the darkness’ threats:

That you won’t get any sleep.

No one will understand how sleep deprivation makes you feel angry.

That everyone will misjudge your sleep-deprived anger as a sign that you weren't cut out to be a mom.

That your baby will get sick, and it’ll be too late to call the doctor’s office.

That your baby will stop breathing.

That anything and everything will go wrong.

And it’s all because the light is facing the other side of the earth, even though it’s temporary.

It’s only natural that we live in the moment and engage our thoughts and senses that are acting in the here and now. But this can get us in trouble when we forget that God’s joy, though ever-present in the newness of the day, sustains us at night, too.

When we forget this truth, darkness can easily deceive us and write a narrative that is nothing short of false. And that narrative will always, always, want to convince you that light won’t win, that God is passive, and that everyone cares nothing about what you are walking through.

So what do we do when darkness feels like it’s winning? Honestly, I don’t have an instant fix, but I have some simple, God-given ways, I believe, to combat darkness and stop the lies in their tracks:

1. Keep a soft, warm light on, whether it’s a large nightlight or a lamp in the living room.

2. Have a sound machine or some gentle music playing in the background. It seems that darkness and silence exacerbate each other, so give neither of them a foothold.

3. Find what makes you dance. This doesn’t mean you literally have to dance, but if your mind is more at ease reading a book, crocheting, writing poetry, or making another craft, don’t be afraid to get your hands moving. Write thank you cards, write your prayers in a journal, and give God room to work through you.

4. Confess what you know to be true—that God gifted nature with the moon and the darkness as a way to reset and recharge. Flowers aren’t afraid to close their blooms at night, and animals aren’t afraid to burrow down and sleep. Why? Because they know that nighttime is part of the design, a part of the way we prepare our hearts for the day.

5. Steal this prayer that I saw on Instagram (the day before my three-year-old son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes): “Everything you’re afraid of is already afraid of Jesus.” Whew, if that doesn’t awaken your core and give you a reason to push back against the lies, I don’t know what will!

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Jesus, everything we are afraid of, even the darkness, is already afraid of you. Nature, even the spiritual realm, knows that victory always has been and always will be yours. In the strong name of Jesus, bring this truth to life in our hearts.

Give us your fruit of the Spirit, your joy and peace that aren’t subject to the sunrise and sunset. Steady us with your fearlessness, and teach us to be bold and brave as we navigate seasons of literal, physical, and emotional darkness.

Sustain our laughter, shed your light, grant us your warmth, fill our ears with the music of truth, and give us an understanding of what it means to rest. Help us use the night to replenish our souls and bodies so we are better equipped to serve you when the sun rises.

In your name, Jesus, loosen our sackcloth, pick us up off the ground, and stand us in a sure place, a place filled with your love and warmth and joy and music, and, above all, you.

We boldly claim your victory over the darkness, Jesus. We unashamedly declare that everything we are afraid of is already terrified of you.

Thank you, Lord, for your power and might. In your name, Christ Jesus, Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

What fears tend to feel louder at night? Bring them honestly before Jesus tonight, remembering that darkness does not diminish His presence, power, or care.

What truths about God can you hold onto when your thoughts begin telling you a different story? Consider a Scripture, prayer, or reminder of His faithfulness that can anchor you when fear begins to take over.

What would it look like to receive nighttime as an invitation to rest rather than something to fear? Ask God to help you release what you cannot control and trust that His joy and peace are present even before morning comes.

Go Deeper: What Keeps You Up at Night? Letting Go of Guilt & the Fear of Saying No

Do you ever end up awake at night, struggling to say no out of guilt or fear of rejection or disapproval? Bonnie shares how to let go of guilt and quiet fears so you can sleep better, instead of staying up ruminating over negative thoughts. You will learn how to recover a positive mood when you encounter stressors with this week's soul-care tip! If this episode brings peace to the storm in your heart, be sure to follow Breathe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Jonas Weckschmied

Peyton Garland is an author, editor, and boy mama who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee. Subscribe to her blog Uncured+Okay for more encouragement.

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