She stood looking out the window. Unable to understand the scene below. The beginning of days that would change her tender two year old heart from carefree to anxious.
As years passed, she looked back on that day and the weeks that followed as the source of her fear. She never remembered why. No circumstances stood out, but everything changed. In just a few moments life became larger than the sheltered bubble she had always known.
Several weeks ago, the main character in one of my favorite television shows said the following: "It's not the unknown I'm afraid of, it's the known unknown."
True!
We don't fear what we don't know. We fear what we know. Life experiences and stories about life experiences are the things that make us fearful.
We don't fear illnesses we have never hear about. We didn't fear terrorism until 9/11. We don't fear divorce until we know someone who has been touched by its pain. We dont' fear betrayal, pain, or a broken heart until we become aware that they exist.
So it's not the unknown that we fear; it is our unknown that is able to give us sleepless nights.
However . . .
Although our future is unknown to us, it is not unknown to our Father. The One who loves us, who cares for us, who forgives us, who daily showers us with mercy and grace is the One who knows every detail of our tomorrows. And He has promised to never leave us alone to face a moment on our own.
In case you're wondering, I was the little girl in the story above. Always afraid unless I was close to my mother or father . . . with them I was safe.
With our Father we are safe. In His presence we can face the future unafraid. He will never allow more in our lives than He is able to strengthen us to endure, and He has told us "don't be afraid."
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3
The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?Psalm 27:1
The LORD is with me. I will not be afraid. Psalm 118:6
