I’m scared of the dark.
I’m scared of spiders.
I’m scared of sharks.
I’m scared of snakes.
I’m scared of heights.
Have you ever met someone that said one of the examples listed above?
To be honest, I’ve never had any of these fears and when I hear people say them, I give them ‘the face’.
You know the facial expression that expresses confusion and says “You can’t be serious!?”
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time in an orphanage. Despite the language barrier, we spent the day playing games, laughing, and sharing.
In the middle of the day, I was told that it was time for the kids to take their naps.
I lead the boys to their rooms to rest.
Many of the boys fell asleep before their heads touched their pillows but one boy could not fall asleep so I stayed near to assure he actually rested.
Fifteen minutes later, he mumbles something that I don’t understand so I look to the translator.
“Can you please leave the night light on ’cause I’m a little scared?” the translator said.
“Seriously!?!? You’re a teenager, there are 10 other boys in this room, and I’m here. What are you scared of? Shut up, go to sleep, and stop being such a baby!”
What would you think of me if I actually said that to him?
Let me guess…horrible and insensitive?
Well, of course I didn’t say that. You know what I did instead?
I hugged him, held him, comforted him, found a night light for his room, and assured him that he was protected.
Even though I knew there was nothing to be afraid of, I didn’t demean or mock his fear because I saw it as an opportunity to show him love.
His fear was a window for me to ‘father’ him. (Remember, he’s an orphan)
I assume this makes sense to everyone reading this but for some reason it doesn’t translate when it comes to God.
Most of us rarely share our fears with God and people because we think we are stupid for having those fears. We think God might say:
How can you be afraid of being single forever?
How can you be afraid of being a failure for school grades?
How can you be afraid of rejection?
Are you an idiot? Have faith and stop being a baby…”
I know that seems a little outrageous but to be perfectly honest, it’s so much easier for me to see God responding to my fear like that than it is for me to picture God seeing my fear as an opportunity to ‘daddy’ me.
“Get over it” or “grow up” feels more normal than “Son, I know you’re scared. It’s okay. Why don’t you come rest with me.”
Our heavenly father wants to show us His love, security and greatness.
Below are my 3 greatest fears.
1. I fear losing my parents. I love them so much.
2. I fear getting really sick or dying alone in a big city.
3. I fear living a wasted life.
What about you? Do you have a hard time picturing God as the kind of father who wants to hug you when you’re scared? Any thoughts on why?
I believe that God is inviting us today to honestly share our fears with Him regardless of how ‘silly’ they might seem. He’s our dad. It’s okay.
And oh, by the way, He already knows.
What fears are you facing right now?
