Roar Like a LionSample

Courage in the Dark

There's something about the dark that makes everything bigger and scarier. Turn out the light, and the chair in the corner suddenly becomes a monster waiting to pounce. Those curtains swaying in the breeze of the ceiling fan must be hiding something terrible. And that creeeak from the hallway just can’t be good. It can take every bit of courage you have to jump up and turn on the light—or shout for Mom or Dad!

Fear and darkness don’t just come around at night, though. Fear can trip us up right in the middle of the day. The friend you thought was always in your corner starts a monster-size rumor, and suddenly everyone’s laughing at you. Your rock-solid home sways like curtains in the wind when your parents have a fight. The shot you have to get at your doctor’s appointment looks like it will be really painful. And that creak of worry you hear inside your mind says things just can’t be good. That’s when it’s time to gather up every bit of courage and shout out to God. He’ll hear you every time (Psalm 55:16–17).

Tell Him about the friend who turned out not to be a friend, about your parents’ fight, and about the worries whirling through your head. He’ll shine the light of His love on those dark fears and help you figure out just what to say and do. And He’ll walk right beside you the whole way (Psalm 23:4). Whenever darkness creeps into your world, shout out to God—and He’ll chase the darkness away!

Devotion

Lord because You are with me, I can be brave. Your love is bright enough to chase away the darkness of fear. Amen.