Fear: Experiencing Peace in Dark MomentsSample

Experiencing Peace in Dark Moments

What is fear? The Webster online dictionary defines fear as: “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.”

Though the definition is easy to read, the experience of the word takes us to places we do not want to go. We are creatures who are safety-seeking-missiles. Our very nature longs for peace and stability, comfort and rest. When difficult circumstances interrupt these natural desires, we want to flee. Unwanted situations or heavy news take our emotions to less-than-desirable destinations.

As a little girl, I would recite a rhythm of prayers. I also had a purple rabbit’s foot (the fuzzy kind from a gumball machine) I would rub every day. The combination of God and luck was the equation I believed would always bless our family and keep away bad things. I wish I could say this rhythm of prayers and purple fluff kept us problem free, but they did not.

I grew up in a beautiful, white 100-year-old farmhouse. Not like the perfectly curated Joanna Gaines designed and decorated kind, but one with a well-used mud room, creaky floors, four dogs running in and out and a real chicken coop in the yard. Being one of five children, fun and mischief were always close by. At gatherings, my family continues to tell the story of my prank-loving brothers standing at the bottom of our staircase saying ever so loudly enough, “Joan, did you hear that?” In my young mind, I thought it could be a mouse or the boogeyman looming above! My adrenaline surged and great fear gripped my soul. I jumped out of my bed and flew down twelve stairs without touching one tread. Belly-aching laughter ensued after I landed safely, and still does to this day whenever they retell the tale.

Though our house was far from pristine, our family seemed so in appearance. The well-dressed, always-put-together, picture-perfect family was a mirage. Fears of what could happen at any time would creep into reality. Deep within our home came a severed parental relationship, a great health struggle for my sister, and family relational wounds. These dark moments shaped the foundation of my being. More fear gripped my soul.

I found myself asking questions. Where was God? Did He care? Could He see us? Could He see me?

It was at this very hour the God of the Universe became the God who entered my story. I decided to take the hand of the One who wanted to walk through fear with me. Receiving His love and grace would be the point of transformation in my story.

What does God say about fear? What does He want us to know? What does He allow us to experience? Does He see our heartache and frustration? Does the God of the universe want to sit with us at our table of pain? Will He pull up a chair and help us?

This 5-day plan offers hope for when you find yourself in difficult spaces and places. Whatever your story is, the One who is all-knowing and all-powerful is also the One who knows your name, wants to hold you, longs to comfort you, and to be near you.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;

my hope comes from him.

Psalm 62:5 NIV

Prayer

Lord, I come to You in this fearful time. I seek Your help. Slow me down and calm my anxious heart as I turn my face to You. Speak to me as I meditate on Your truths in Scripture, free me from my fears as I cry out to You. I ask for Your protection in this time of trouble. Thank You for being with me. Amen.

Each day read the Scripture, pray for understanding, and answer the questions. Consider using a journal to record your thoughts.

List the fears or hardships you have today.

After reading the passages, what are your general observations?

What can you learn about the character of God?

How does knowing God’s character affect your view of the fears or hardships you are facing?

How does understanding God’s character comfort you?