Sometimes when I’m in bed at night and sleep won’t come, I sing the words of a hymn to myself. Not to worry, I do not sing aloud so I don’t wake my husband. Last night one of the stanzas of the hymn “Abide with Me” came to mind.

I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

– Henry F. Lyte, 1847

There is no better balm for my soul than this hymn that is a simple prayer for God’s presence. It is an affirmation of the constant grace of God, through cloud and sunshine. It is an affirmation of God’s protection from the negative powers that can sometimes consume us. The hymn is calming and comforting, a song in the night that helped bring me a peaceful sleep free of fear.

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
– Exodus 33:14