Over the past year or so, my second grader has had a struggle that seems to have lasted more than the average time of other children his age. As an active, strong, big-hearted 8 year old boy you would not expect him to be sneaking around corners and afraid to be left alone in a room. This has gone beyond being afraid of the dark. He refuses to enter any room in our home alone, even during the daylight hours. He begs his siblings to go with him if he’s instructed to get something from another room in the house or even somewhere outside. Before falling asleep, his bedroom has to be in order with nothing out of place, the lamp on, the bathroom door cracked just perfectly and a sibling or two is always joyfully welcomed to sleep over. And though he is finally at the age he can be left alone at home for short periods of time, he chooses to go along on errands instead of “being grown up” and staying at home.
Every child, every person really goes through stages like this during their lives, some more extreme, difficult or long lasting than others. Just a few months ago after realizing this stage was lasting a little longer than “usual” we decided to tackle this together. Up went bible verses in his room in large print and in plain sight of his bed. Encouraging and uplifting songs were put on his little mp3 player and prayers were focused on trusting in the Lord. But still we wrestle with this spirit of fear every day.
Our goal has been to point my son in the direction of the only One who can comfort his fearful heart and remove the spirit of fear with His spirit of love. This week, we started writing special verses on index cards to begin memorizing and hiding God’s word in our hearts, together. As I was reading this passage, two passages jumped off the page and encouraged my heart and his!
5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is on my side as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. Psalm 1182“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God[b] is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12
There are probably hundreds of verses on the topic of fear and though it is important for us as parents to point those out to him we don’t want to stop there. It’s important to remind and encourage him of the extravagant love of God that replaces fear!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!2 Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 118
Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection remind us that there is nothing in this life to be afraid of because he has overcome the world. It was his steadfast (unwavering, firmly established, resolute, and steadily directed) love for his children that took him to the cross and it is the same love that fills our hearts and casts out all fear.
Thank you, Lord Jesus for your steadfast love that has and will endure all times. Thank you for your beautiful Word that brings life and hope and love to my heart and helps me endure the hard days and brings joy no matter the circumstances. Please remove the spirit of fear in our hearts and replace it with a spirit of love and give us boldness and courage as we face trials. Amen.
Sixty-six books in a year 