“For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand: it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'” (Isaiah:41:13)

It seems as if our world has recently become a far more dangerous place. We have, in turn, become a fear-filled people.

My nephew, Cameron, described this paradox as he relayed a recent experience with his three-year-old-son, Carson. Up to this point, Carson had little interest in learning the fine art of keeping his head above water. In fact, the pool with its blue, menacing element was simply a source of terror. None of his parents’ coaxing or cajoling brought Carson an inch closer to jumping in, splashing around, and swimming about like a fish.

This month they signed up their son for lessons, watched as the swim instructor, Libby, did her magic, and in less than a week’s time Carson was transformed. Now, rather than seeing the pool as a threat to be avoided, he flies across the deck and flings himself into the water with total, delightful abandonment.

Though the danger level of the pool is as high as ever, Carson’s level of fear has decreased dramatically. And when his father gets in the water ahead of him and waits for him to jump, Carson hurls himself in completely without one drop of hesitation.

Why don’t we follow this young boy’s example when it comes to our own levels of danger and fear? Why don’t we trust our Father implicitly, regardless of the circumstances confronting us? God is good and faithful, fully present in our lives no matter the difficult or scary elements involved. Precisely when we must stay afloat, jump in headlong, or get submerged in various scenarios we would rather not tackle, our God is completely capable of ensuring that we not only make it through, but thrive.

When our Father is in the picture, we need not be afraid. Though the level of danger confronting us might be high, our level of fear should not rise with that tide. Rather, like a child who keeps his eye on his father and is oblivious to the dangers around, we too have no reason to fear.

“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).

Elizabeth A Mitchell

Photo Credit: Lavi Perchik on Unsplash←