leapt into my mind... like a wild banshee...
unexpected... uninvited... unsolicited... heart-stopping...
FEAR...
A comment to the desk clerk upon checking out from a hotel we've stayed in many times over the last four years... a clerk whose face is familiar... who we've seen work her way... from graveyard shift to day...
We won't be back... our daughter graduated...
A cheerful good-bye... given as I hurried out the front door with joy... a need for closure of a relationship with a woman whose name I do not remember... but whose presence has been constant in our visits over the last four years...
As soon as the words left my mouth... the automatic doors not yet shut behind me... the thought entered...
Oh... you might be back...
These words accompanied by images of a number of incidents... accidents... offenses... that might bring us back... harm to the beloved daughter... resulting in the need to identify... and collect remains... or sit vigil... at an ICU bedside...
Horrible images... that sucked the life... out of my joy...
The temptation to worry-away anything bad... if I dwell... worry... it won't happen... loomed large...
Then... I recognize... these thoughts... they are not mine... they are not Him... they are from the enemy... straight out of the dark... from the one who lies... whose main objective is to steal... joy... life... security... through...
False...
Evidence...
Appearing...
Real...
For whatever reason... fear has been a stronghold in my life for many years... one that has mostly been removed... not nearly so great as it used to be... not nearly so much since God has been leading me to freedom... but that enemy... he lurks... prowls... waiting for an unguarded moment of joy... to taunt... and steal... peace... and trust... in Him...
A Word came to mind... one God brought to my attention... while the son was overseas... a Word to remind...
He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Psalm 112:7
(my emphasis)
A steadfast heart... trusting in Him... the cure for fear...
Along with the Word... a song of praise came to mind... to hum... to sing... to keep a heart steadfast... to return a heart from fear...
God... there is NONE LIKE YOU...
You are greater...
You are stronger...
You are Higher than any other...
You are Healer...
Awesome in power...
You are Sovereign in all things...
Purpose-full...
Fully trustworthy...
In You... I have NO FEAR... of bad news...
With You... it's all GOOD...
[Related fare...
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