Dealing with Fear: A Lesson from a Two Year Old
Are you full of fear? We want to pray for you.
Domonic, our two and a half year old grandson was “helping” Papa (Grandpa) do some much-needed spring clean up in the back yard. Our backyard is terraced, so when we went to the second layer he started to cry. I asked him why he was crying, and he said, “Me Scaredy!” It turned out he was scared because he had seen the wild deer wander across that part of the yard in the past, and he was afraid that they might come while we were there. I sat down and enfolded him in my arms, then asked, “Do you think Papa can take care of you? Do you think your Papa can chase the deer away?” He calmed down and seemed to like the idea that Papa could chase the “scary” deer away.
I realized I am not so different than Domonic. I have fears, too. I attempt to deal with fears in a variety of ways. I don’t tend to cry like Domonic did, but I get mad, worried, withdrawn, defensive, over analytical or immobilized, just to mention a few. In the same way that I enfolded Domonic in my arms and assured him I could take care of him, I need to experience God’s embrace in moments of fear and be reassured.
I remember one dark star-filled night walking alone, perplexed and with tears running down my face, crying out to God for help. His response was not verbal but it was so clear. It was as if God was saying to me, His child, “Who made these stars and put them in place? Do you think I’m big enough to handle your problems and fears?” In that moment my fears seemed to shrink, and in a fresh way I understood God’s presence and power. The problem did not go away but I had confidence to move forward knowing God would care of me.
In a world that has many uncertainties the words from Psalm 147 can bring comfort. God is big enough to comfort His child in the midst of all possible fears!
“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and praise is becoming. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. The Lord supports the afflicted; He brings down the wicked to the ground” (Psalm 147:1-6 (NIV).
Questions: How do you respond in the face of fear? What steps can you start to take to help you face the future positively and without fear?
About the Author Mike Woodard
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Help for Hard Times, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
Mike, thank you for the devotional. With faith and hope in my heart is how I try to respond to the face of fear. Johshua 1:9 says ”Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (NKJV). This Scripture touched me and reminded me that the Lord is my future.
Patti God is so Amazing – all things are possible through Him! Amen and Amen
patti i will be praying for you
Thank you so much Linda J and Linda R. I am sensing your prayers…..
Dear Heavenly Father I just bring Patti before You, Lord You see how much she loves You and we see how much You have done in her life and we Praise You for that and give You All The Glory! Now Dear Jesus we come once again asking that You would Please be Very, Very Close to Patti, Wrap Your Ever so Loving Arms tightly around her, flood her body with Your Perfect Peace, The Peace that Passeth All Understanding. Fill her to overflowing with Your Joy, Encouragement and Love so she will just Radiate You where ever she goes and be with her through the surgery let it just go so well and smoothly that everyone will be completely be amazed by Patti’s quick recovery and we give You All The Glory and Pray All These Things In Your Name In Faith Beleiving Amen & Amen! Hugs Linda !!!
Dear Patti,
Long time no talk! I can fully understand your feeling. I have the same experience as well. My father passed away from pancretic cancer two years ago. Whenever I had pain in my stomach, I couldn’t help thinking about my father! I had fear that it would come to me as well. I know my faith is not strong enough. All I can do is to fight against this kind of feeling. And cry out to Him and only He can drive away the fear in my heart. Patti, I would pray for you. I will pray that God will give you the peace and courage and strength to overcome Satan’s attack.
Usually the things that grip me with fear are circumstances having to do with our children and grandchildren…..particularly health issues or emotional issues. I go to my knees in prayer for them….and continuously am lifting them up when they are faced with problems.
Recently though, I have learned that I have to have heart surgery. At the moment, I do not know if it has to be open heart or if it can be done another way. This has gripped me with fear….in fact I can’t think of anything that frightens me more than open heart. I watched my mother come through open heart surgery and 23 days later die from complications. It seems that it has all been playing back in my mind, which I know is satan.
I’m a bit ashamed to be a believer and have this overwhelming fear……It has made me question my trust…my faith and it has always been hard for me to pray for myself.
This devotion is very timely for me….and I’m doing some real soul searching about my fears and lack of being able to rest in the Lord.
I have friends encouraging me and realize that this is done every day, even so, I need peace.