Things That Go Bump in the Night
“Mom!”
I knew I heard my daughter calling me but the lazy dream I was enjoying wasn’t letting me go.
“MOM” I heard her desperate voice this time and sprang straight up in bed. My heart was pounding from 20 cc’s of adrenalin flooding my chest. It was pitch black in my bedroom. The clock radio glared 4:30 a.m.
“What is it?” I whispered frantic, stumbling from bed toward the light switch.
“Mom, there is something in my bedroom.”
Do you see this cat? It is NOT mine. This is Cleo (belongs to the neighbor four doors up the street) and she jumped on my daughter’s bed at 4:30 a.m. You are probably asking yourself how this cat managed to gain entrance into our house in the wee hours of the morning and how it knew precisely which bedroom belonged to my animal loving daughter.
Well, this sassy feline pushed her way through two dog doors to get in the laundry room. She then walked pass my old Dalmatian who was asleep in the office. She slipped by my bedroom and my small yippy dog who sleeps on the bed, (of course). Sheesh! So much for guard dogs!
Then this Queen of the Cats sauntered across the entire expanse of our living, dining, and family room down the hall to where my daughter was fast asleep in her pink princess bed. Side note -My daughter would be mortified if she knew I was telling you as a twelve-year-old she still has a princess bed.-
As I ran down the hall with my daughter, looking for the nighttime intruder, I asked my child, “Were you scared when the cat jumped on you?”
She said, “No, not really.”
I was relieved by her answer but didn’t really have time to think about the implication until later. I found myself coaxing the mangy beast from under the bed and tossing her out the front door. My daughter was all grins, tickled by the surprise visitor. I didn’t find the cat antics quite so humorous.
What I did discover from this nocturnal adventure was evidence of my daughters faith. She prays.
A few days following our pre-dawn drama I asked my daughter why she wasn’t afraid of things that go bump in the night. She said to me, “Mom, I pray at night when I’m scared.”
Aaah, Music to a mother’s ears.
I taught my child to pray when she was frightened at night.
As believers we know there is a spiritual world where we face an enemy we cannot see. Learning what to pray when we are frightened is key to overcoming our fears and living triumphant lives. This is what Jesus wants for us. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
When I was a child I wish I had learned how to pray in the still darkness of the night. Today, I know how to pray. I can defeat the enemy. Things that go bump in the night no longer leave me sleepless and worried.
In the wee hours of the morning when fears assault, I lean upon God’s word and His truth. Psalm 91, also know as the 911 prayer, gives me peace. Read it. It is powerful.
I also cling to 1 John 4:4 (King James Version) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Then pray:
Lord God, I approach your throne with Jesus at my side. It is by his blood that I bind the enemy of fear. I ask you Lord to dispatch angels with swords drawn to stand at each doorway in my home. I ask you Lord for a hedge of protection to surround us. Lord, I KNOW greater are You who live in me than he that lives in the world. By the Redeeming blood of Jesus I ask these things, Amen.
Have a blessed and powerful day (and night) in the name of Jesus.
Be blessed, Lynn
Find me daily at
I originally shared this story about two years ago. I hope you find it inspires you again this week. Hugs, Lynn
What a great story! I was laughing out loud as I read. Great message too! Hugs!
I have often thought that when I wake up in the middle of the night, it is because God wants me to pray. So, I have been heading his nudging. It is so comforting to know that He is right there, listening and watching over us, even in the still of the night.
Living for Him, Joan
I enjoyed this, bless you sweetie.
There are still moments when I feel fear gripping my heart, but you’re so right Lynn – a time of prayer and there is peace. Your little one is very wise.
Children always word things best…
Powerful prayer indeed, Lynn. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
I think I would have been so calm as your daughter – I would have screamed if I had found the cat in my bed. But then again, I sleep so deep, anything/anyone can carry me away – lol…
Love this story. What beautiful, child like faith your daughter has. Really amazing how the cat bypassed all the other rooms to find her room:)
What a precious story. I know the Lord when I was little, but I did pray…even in the Name of Jesus…and He (although I did not yet know Him) calmed my fears many nights. I am thankful your daughter was not fearful when kitty kat jumped on her. I think I might have had a heart attack!