Shhh...I'm here!

"Mommy! Mommy!"

My son's cries pierced through the dark mid-night hours and sent a shrill up my spine. Something about the intensity of Joshua's cries rumbled above the slow steady hum of my box fan. His cry awakened me from my sound slumber. I ran, instantly, to his bedside.

"Shhhh...I'm here! What's the matter, baby boy?" My heart pounded against my chest cavity like a big base drumstick might hammer against a deep base drum.

Joshua rarely has bad dreams...but that night...his fear overwhelmed him with errors that seemed strangely real. I whispered a few words of comfort, assured him I was there, and prayed with him. A few songs seemed to comfort his spirit as he quickly drifted off back to sleep.

Today, as I reflected over various seasons of  my life where various fears present terrors that seemed strangely real...I couldn't help but think of the promises found in Psalm 34:15-20. It says, "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry...The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken." (NIV)

During those seasons or dark night's of my soul, God's whispered promises brought me comfort. His reassurance that He was near, instantly, brought me peace.

Today, as I reflect on who God is, I find great comfort. And, though my problems DON'T always instantly disappear...they do diminish when my perspective turns to God's power. They fade even more as I realize that I am positioned (securely) in God's love.

I don't know about you...I don't know what trials you face...I don't know the terrors that awaken you or fill you with consuming fear...BUT WHAT I DO KNOW...is that God promises "His eyes are on the righteous. His ears are attentive to their cry. The righteous cry out and the LORD HEARS and delivers. He is close to the broken hearted."

Today, I pray you sense God's presence and are comforted by His promises.

You are NOT alone! God is near! He hears your cries for help...never give up!