May 5 – Coping with Fear and Nightmares

Psalm 91:5–6 –
"You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." (NIV)

SITREP:
What kind of fear keeps you on edge—flashbacks at night, dread of what’s coming, or the sense that something unseen is stalking you? Fear does not have to control you. Whether it comes in the form of memories, nightmares, or anxieties, remember that God is your protector. His presence is greater than any darkness you may face.

Psalm 91 is often called the Soldier’s Psalm or the Warrior’s Prayer. It’s a declaration of supernatural protection for those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High. Though the author is unknown, the psalmist speaks with the voice of someone who has been through fire—who has seen battle, endured hardship, and survived danger because of God's faithful covering.

Verses 5 and 6 confront the full range of fear:

• “Terror of night” – the unknown, the psychological, the haunting.
• “The arrow that flies by day” – open combat, visible threats.
• “The pestilence that stalks in the darkness” – hidden enemies, slow-moving danger.
• “The plague that destroys at midday” – sudden catastrophe in broad daylight.

This passage doesn’t deny danger—it acknowledges it. But it proclaims something greater: the presence of God eliminates the authority of fear.

How This Strengthens a Soldier’s Faith:
Fear doesn’t punch a time clock. It can strike in the dead of night or in broad daylight. For a soldier, that fear often follows you long after the physical battle ends. Psalm 91:5–6 is your shield—promising that no matter when or how fear attacks, you are not alone and you are not without defense.

• “You will not fear the terror of night…”
• Those sleepless hours, those unwelcome memories—God is present even there. The darkness doesn’t scare Him. And He’s not leaving you alone in it.
• “…nor the arrow that flies by day…”
• In the heat of visible battle—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—God’s protection is a barrier no enemy can breach.
• “…nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness…”
• The slow burn of trauma, anxiety, or health threats—God sees what stalks you and stands guard even when you can’t see it.
• “…nor the plague that destroys at midday.”
• Disaster doesn’t always hit in secret. When the hit is obvious and public, God is still your refuge. You are still under His protection.

Psalm 91 isn’t a fantasy—it’s a field-tested declaration. You may walk into the fight, but you don’t walk alone. And fear doesn’t get the final say.

ENDEX:
Fear may come in many forms, but you were never left to face it unarmed. Psalm 91:5–6 is your spiritual defense—an unshakable reminder that God covers His warriors 24/7. Night or day, visible or invisible, the battle may come, but you are shielded by something greater.

Stand your ground. Rest in His presence. And know that fear has no command over you—because your God never sleeps.

AAR (After Action Review):
Have you ever faced a fear—whether in the dead of night or the heat of the day—and experienced God’s protection or peace in the middle of it? Share a moment where His presence calmed your spirit or covered you like armor. Your story could help another warrior know they’re not fighting their battles alone.

Make your voice count—share what you’ve lived.

Share your experiences in the comments below. Your words could encourage someone else walking a similar path.

If you're comfortable, include as much or as little personal detail as you’d like. We suggest:

• Name
• Veteran, Retired, Family Member etc.
• Service Branch
• Years of Service (or Deployment Dates and Locations)

Every story matters—and yours might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.