When you were a child, were you ever afraid of the dark? Did either your mom or your dad have to sit on the side of your bed sometimes until you fall asleep? This may not be true for all children, but I know that it is true for many. If it wasn’t the dark for you, I am certain that it was something else. Just for a moment, think back to your childhood and the person place or thing that caused you to be afraid. Do you remember what made the difference? I know what made the difference for me and what still makes the difference when my son is occasionally
afraid. It is when I am with him.

Now that you’re older, are you completely immune from fear? Arn’t there things that still make you afraid? It has been said that being brave is not the absence of fear, but what we do when we are afraid. Some are very good at facing their fears and others just cannot move past the areas in their lives that cause them to fear. Because of this, many have turned to cognitive behavioral therapy which I have heard is very good at helping those who suffer in this way.

The responsibilities of life can cause much anxiety and I freely admit that I am not immune. Because of my blindness, I may be even more anxious than most people. The reason is that my job requires me to travel a lot and many times I have to rely on strangers for help. Here is a promise from God that I find myself claiming lately. It has been a great comfort to me and when I repeat it, it’s like I’m a child again in the dark in my room with my mom or my dad sitting beside me on my bed until I fall asleep. As our world becomes more and more uncertain, I believe we will need to remember this promise so that we can remain steadfast in our faith and in the hope that faith in God brings.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV) “And the LORD, He [is] the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”