Fear – it comes in many forms and everyone has experienced it at one time or another. As a parent I feel constantly challenged by fear…whether it’s my own worry for my children or their own anxieties of growing up.
One thing I’ve really struggled with lately is my youngest daughter’s bedtime fears. I feel like I’ve tried almost everything – magic sleeping spray, various night lights, nightly devotions, bribes, calming music, prayer, closet checks and the list goes on. It’s a regular battle getting her to bed, asleep and having her stay there.
But isn’t that how many of us are with God so many times? We tend to let fear from the enemy get the better of us and unconsciously challenge or doubt God’s attempts to get us moving forward according to His will. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever,” Psalm 73:26.
I have so often thought parenting can give us some of the greatest insight into how God loves His children, works to help us grow and points us in the right direction.
Fear and worry are not the inheritance that God has prepared for us and it’s not what I want to pass along to my own children. He wants us to cling to the promises of His word reminding us that He is our portion and we are His.
God is with us in facing our fears and will bring good out of it – many times that’s how we grow our faith and confidence. Fear may always be a factor we must face in our earthly lives, but God wants us to let go and move forward despite fear and anxiety.
My prayer is that God grants me the wisdom and ability to pass this on to my children and loved ones. I want to live out the promise of Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go!”
