Scared of the Dark
My heart rate started to quicken as my mind suddenly took a dangerous journey down an imaginary path where all kinds of horrible things lurk in the shadows.
Reference: v.5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. (TNIV Bible)
Explore: Have you ever felt your heart stop in your chest. It’s incredible the physical impact fear can have on our bodies.
As I arrive at work in the early hours of the morning, it is still pitch black outside. The other week I had to park in the alley at the back of our offices.
As I closed my car door, all lights went off and I was surrounded by darkness. My heart rate started to quicken as my mind suddenly took a dangerous journey down an imaginary path where all kinds of horrible things lurk in the shadows.
I quickly headed for the buildings back door, fumbling for my keys so that I could enter into the safety of my work place as soon as possible. My eyes were wide as I constantly looked left and right for anything that could startle me or cause me harm.
As I went to put my key into the door I noticed it move. I thought that finally my imagination had gone too far, but before I knew it the door was moving towards me and there was a strange man lurking on the other side.
I screamed.
When my screams finally died down, I realised that the strange man had also screamed. After a few abrupt curse words, he recovered, but seemed just as shaken as I was.
It was the cleaner who sometimes works through the night. We both muttered a quick apology and moved on in opposite directions. While no harm had been done to me, it took me a good 15 minutes to feel completely calm again and for my heart to regain a normal rate!
Application: We do not live in Heaven, our world is not a perfect place. There are a lot of bad things that happen and it is easy to live in fear of what is to come. I know a few people who refuse to watch the news as they don’t want to be made aware of all the evil in our world.
While I don’t think it is healthy to stick our heads in the sand, it’s also not helpful to fear the unknown.
Life brings some difficult challenges. Sometimes these troubles come upon us due to our own actions. We all face the consequences of our actions and, at times, these consequences can be hard to bear.
Sometimes troubles come upon good people and there is nothing that anyone could have done to prevent it.
No matter what the challenge is we are so blessed to have access to the most powerful god in the whole world. Saul knew that he was distant from God and the fear that filled him lead him down a very dark path.
We, however, are able to connect with God’s love, grace, and power. It doesn’t mean we will never face challenges, but it does mean that we have God to hold onto during our darkest moments.
Prayer: Lord, sometimes the challenges just seem too much for us. May we not be gripped with fear, but hold firmly to Your hope. Amen.
What brings fear into your life?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.