Strength can be found in difficult times when we are assured of another’s presence, wouldn’t you agree?
As a child, just knowing a trusted adult is within hollering distance, often was enough to take care of whatever troubles seemed to threaten us. Knowing there was someone bigger than us who had our best interest at heart, and had the power to deal with whatever Bogey Man was out there, was enough.
When I was in sixth grade an intruder made its way down our chimney. It flew straight through the living room, turned right, and ascended up the stairs. It took another right and ended in my room where I lay in bed reading the latest Nancy Drew mystery.
At first I wasn’t sure what flapped its wings within inches of my head. Maybe a bird attracted to my bedside lamp? On the second flyby, I knew.
I threw the covers over my head and screamed, “There’s a bat in my room! There’s a bat in my room!” over and over while the monster beat its wings around me.
Within minutes my father appeared at the top of the stairs. He glanced into my room and said, “There isn’t a man in your room.” Which is what he thought I screamed.
As soon as the words left his lips, the denizen of the dark buzzed Dad’s head. Turning toward the stairs, my father assured me he’d be right back. He instructed me to stay absolutely still and quiet. He ran downstairs, grabbed the broom, and charged back into my room.
I knew enough about Dracula and blood sucking vampire bats to know my dad just saved my life.
Yes, children like to be assured someone will come to their rescue when they scream out for help, but you know what? Adults want that same assurance.
While it is oh so nice to have people we can rely on to help us in our times of distress, our ultimate help is found in our Father God.
When our hearts are breaking, He is the Comforter who holds us and wipes away our tears until our hearts have mended.
When our pain seems unending, He is the Great Physician who gives us the strength to keep going one step at a time.
When the events of life make us fearful, and threaten to pull us under, He is our Peace amid the storm. We can trust He will stay with us and not abandon ship.
Our Father God is a ready help in times of trouble. He has our best interest at heart. He is the omnipotent all-powerful one. Nothing is too hard for Him.
When life feels a little unsettled and unsure, and creatures of the night flap around our heads, we can rest in the knowledge God is only a holler away.
And like my father did all those many years ago to protect me, God takes his mighty broom to the things that fly through our lives and threaten to harm us.
The strength of God’s love will never fail to protect and keep us safe.
I wish you well.
