Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Many years ago, when my oldest daughter was about two years old, she was afraid of the dark.
It was our custom, after she had been in bed for a while, to check and see if she was asleep. Often when I peeked in, I heard her little voice say, "Daddy, it's dark! It's dark! Take my hand."
It only took a minute or two of hand holding before her face relaxed, and she quickly and quietly went to sleep. Watching her rest peacefully remains a very precious memory.
Over the years, there have been times when I, like my daughter, have been afraid. Unlike hers, my fears were of the adult variety. That doesn't mean my fears were bigger; they were just different.
At any rate, when those fears are robbing me of peace, I think back on my little girl. I find myself echoing her words and saying to God in heaven, "Father, it is dark! Take my hand."
Can I share with you the confidence I have that God is listening to my prayers and is by my side has always brought me almost immediate peace? It's quite possible you have a fear or two of your own. If you do, won't you remember the prayer of my little girl? With faith, say those words, "Father, it is dark; please take my hand." And give thanks that because of His Son's sacrifice and forgiveness, He will.
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"
THE PRAYER:Dear heavenly Father, please take my hand and strengthen me in this dark world, so that I may live my life to Your glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen
This Daily Devotion was originally published May 17, 2008.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 12-14 John 8:28-59
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