Come quickly! I need help!
“Mommy! Come quick, I need you!”
I recognized that tone in my daughter’s voice. FEAR! We were inside the house. I hadn’t heard any crashes or falls. No alarms sounded. What might be her need?
There was only one thing that could cause her such terror…
A spider
My sweet young girl loved bugs and would pick up a snake without cringing, but spiders were her nemesis. I strolled into her room, my flip-flop in hand to crush the likely intruder. “Where is it?”
“There!” she pointed, eyes wide. “It’s enormous!” The hand directing me shook in agitation and she bounced from one foot to the other.
Following her directions, I discovered a tiny spider, about the size of a dime if legs extended counted. I quickly made short work of it and deposed of the carcass. After all, the rule at my house is: Insects, bugs, lizards, and most snakes and varmints are allowed to live, unthreatened by humans, as long as THEY STAY OUTSIDE. If they break the rule and enter our house–bugs, ants, spiders, bees, snakes, etc. don’t get a second chance.
Our children’s fears are real, whether it be of spiders, thunder storms, being separated from their parents, or a multitude of other possibilities. As a parent, it is a part of our loving duty to our children to help them feel secure, to do whatever is in our capacity to ease their fears. Children gain confidence in their parents and caregivers as they recognize the love and protection they receive.
As adults, we have real fears, too. Sometimes of a different nature than our children (although I don’t care for spiders either). Our heavenly Father is concerned about our fears, just as parents and caregivers are for our children.
God is with us in dealing with our fears.
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Just as I, as a loving parent, recognized my daughter’s fear, soothed her, and rescued her from the spider, our Father recognizes our fear and will intervene when we call on Him.
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” (Psalm 91:14-15)
Sometimes people will tell us, “Being fearful is a sign of lack of faith.” I disagree. I think we worry and are anxious about many things: our children’s safety; the health of our spouse and loved ones; our economic condition at the loss of a job while inflation rages; the volatile situation in our world. These are legitimate concerns and being anxious, in frightening situations, is a natural condition.
What God’s Word tells us is that He will be with us–always. We have only to call upon Him and He will be present with us through the times of fear and anxiety. And while He may not take away all the circumstances that frighten us–He will be with us on the journey. We can be confident in His loving presence.
The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
My daughter’s fear of sipers was and is very real and I sought to help. I will confess to teasing her about the size of “enormous” spiders. And, recently, after reading a newspaper article about the Jora Spider set to invade the East Coast this summer, I took an unkind glee in sharing with her that these spiders are as “big as the palm of a man’s hand.” (OUCH!)
Needness to say, my girl (now a young woman and mother), did not appreciate my attempt at humor.
However, she is capable of killing her own spiders now.
My friend and mentor, J.D.Wininger, posted on my blog last week. He shared a compelling message guiding us to seek and find peace in this time of turmoil and anxiety. If you haven’t yet read his message, I know you will be inspired. Today, I shared some of the scriptures he recommends for finding peace. You can find his post here.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
So, as you face situations which bring fear and anxiety in your life, remember it is your faith that takes you to God’s Word to to seek peace and experience confidence in His loving presence in your daily lives.
What scriptures help ease your fears in troubled times? What other strategies pave the way for finding peace when anxieties threaten your joy?
love you — also I am not a fan of spiders…. snakes and lizards, ok
I confess to not being a fan of any of the creatures you mention, but I do try to co-exist as long as they don’t invade the house. Love you, dear girl. Hope you all are well.
So very true Ms. Katherine, fear, real or imagined, is the greatest threat to our joy and peace. In addition to prayer and praise, two other things I do to arrest my fear is join with others (fellowship, community, etc.) and disconnect from that which is fueling my fear (news reports, anti-social media, situations, etc.). The greatest way for me to do that is to disconnect electronically and go sit outside in God’s natural world. As I watch the cattle graze, chew their cud, or lounge lazily beneath a tree on a sunny afternoon, I realize if they are not fearful of some pending threat or danger, then I shouldn’t be either. Even when relaxing, they’re watchful and cautious, but not panicked or worried. There’s a lesson there for us. As to my favorite scripture about combating fear? As I shared with you on PJNET TV, one of my life verses is Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” Great post ma’am! Thank you
Thank you, D.J., for you encouragment, ministry, and mentoring. You are a wonderful role model. I also get my peace and refreshment from being out in nature. A walk, yard work, or even dealing with my “get in trouble often” horses grants me useful lessons from our Creator. One wonderful lesson shared at the recent writers conference I attended, by a social media specialist that we love and admire, can help us deal with the social media woes. I’m citing this from memory: “Although social media has many negative aspects, I’m staying with it because I can be a light in the darkness. Just as people post negative information, I can be a bright spot for readers by posting positive, helpful, and loving messages.” I agree with her assessment. We can be a light in the darkness, too. Wishing you a blessed week, my friend.
I’m not a fan of spiders either, Katherine. Thanks for sharing how God is our protector and reminds us to turn to Him with our fears. One of my go to scriptures is Philippians 4:6-7. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Thank you for sharing Phil 4:6-7. I love the comforting message of that scripture. It’s one of my “go to” scriptures, too. We are so blessed to be gifted with God’s Word and can find Him there or through prayer. Wishing you a joyful and blessed week.
I think of Peter on the water, sinking and crying out for help. His legitimate fear reminded him to put his focus back on the One who could help. With Jesus, we can take comfort and courage that we don’t have to fight the waves–or the spiders–alone.
That’s a wonderful example, Erin. Thank you for sharing. I often feel like Peter, that I should know Jesus is with me, yet I need that reassurance of His response when I cry out, “Help me!” We are so blessed that our Savior is available and willing to answer whenever we call on Him. May your week be filled with joy and sunshine!
When I was a preteen I laid out in a hammock in our backyard. Until one day a massive banana spider, like the one in your picture, landed right on my stomach. I screamed and ran through the yard trying to get it off. I still think of that anytime I think of resting in a hammock.
My favorite scripture is Hab 3:19. When life is hard I know God will give me all I need to do what He wants me to do.
Oh, my! I’m still cringing from your story. What a terrible experience for you! I expect you are always careful, not just about hammocks, but around trees, too. Thanks so much for sharing Hab 3:19. I’ve jotted that verse down as a keeper. Wishing you a blessed week (with no spiders).
Loved this devotion! Well -written.
Thank you, Evelyn, for your kind encouragement. Wishing you a blessed day, filled with joy.
Somewhere once upon a time I read “fear is the opposite of love.” I didn’t necessarily agree with it at the time. But when our fear keeps us from loving others as God would have us love, some truth can be found in it. I like many of the verses mentioned, but my go-to is usually Deut. 31:8.
I have not heard that, Candyce, “Fear is the opposite of love,” but it makes sense. When we think of how many conflicts begin with fear and hatred, we see the horrible actions which result. Our current world situation is a tragic example. I know you join me in continuing to pray for peace and love. Thank you for sharing.
Now I know who to call the next time I see a spider! Thanks Katherine for a thought provoking post!
I’m handy with that flip-flop, Sylvia, but I prefer not to use it (the creepy crawlers should stay outside). I hope Spring is bringing you joy and sunshine.
Katherine, I love this statement: “So, as you face situations which bring fear and anxiety in your life, remember it is your faith that takes you to God’s Word to seek peace and experience confidence in His loving presence in your daily lives.” Psalm 56:3 comforts me. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you,” (ESV). Thank you for these words and verses which bring comfort.
Thank you for sharing Psalm 56:3, Jeannie. That verse brings me such peace and comfort. As you share your faith through your writing and interactions, you bring hope and joy to us. Thank you for your service to our Lord and His people.
Psalm 16:8 is one of my go-to verses, Katherine. “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” And I stand in solidarity with your daughter about spiders!
I’ve learned that a lot of us are not fond of spiders. It’s good to know we’re not alone. And even more wonderful, we’re never alone in our daily walk. Our Lord and Savior is always within reach by prayer. Wishing you continued blessings, Annie. Thank you for sharing salm 16:8.
I have the same rule at my house.
A much-needed message for me today.
Thank you, Nancy. I’m so glad we are able to encourage each other on our journey with Jesus. Wishing you blessings.
Your post reminds me of the time I saw a lizard on my bedroom wall. We lived in the Caribbean at the time and I grew up in NY -no lizards there:)I shrieked. I’ve grown up since then but the principle is there- there will always be something new to create anxiety or even fear. Hebrews 13:5 is one of my “go to’s”z
We have Blue-tailed lizards that sneak into our house. When I had an indoor kitty, he would catch them for me. No indoor kitty now, so I try to catch them (a funny sight for sure) and put them back outside. Your point is well-taken–“there will always be something which causes us anxiety.” Aren’t we blessed that our Lord is always available to grant peace and comfort. Thank you for sharing Hebrews 13:5. Wishing you a blessed week (with no lizards in your house).
Katherine, thanks to you and J. D. for the verse, one of my favorites and for the reminder.
Thank you for stopping by, Diana. J.D. is a blessing for us, always adding insight and wisdom. Wishing you a day filled with joy and sunshine.
I am thankful God is with me at all times and in every circumstance. I couldn’t make it through life without Him! God is good!
Yes! God is good–all the time!