When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV
May Grandaddy Rogers lived about a ¼ mile away from our home as the crow flies. He was a local park manager and lived on sight. As a young child, I remember one night finishing supper with my grandparents and then having to walk home afterwards… in the dark. This night I was scared, some of the street lights were out and it was exceptionally dark.
The chains on the swings started rattling, but I was sure no one was on the swings…or were they? Something scurried in the bushes, but it sounded much bigger than an animal. I found a building and put my back against the wall…at least now there was nothing behind me. I mustered all of the courage I could find, and ran out of the darkness to the nearest street light, but decided not to stop until I made it safely home.
Fear of the dark can be real regardless of reality. In other words, nothing has to be under the bed for a child to be afraid. No one has to be in the closet and somebody does not have to be outside the window for a child to be afraid. If they think it exists, fear is real to them.
God’s word allows us to replace our thoughts with what is really true. His promises become stationary tie downs to regain our courage among shifting thoughts. I find that saying the verse aloud makes my thoughts line up with the truth. It’s like the thoughts are running wild and the teacher says “Line Up in a single file” and instantly the kids stop playing and begin to form a single line. It becomes obvious very quickly which child was not listening and they too will stop playing and get back in line. God’s word exposes the thoughts that are lying to you.
John 8:12 is a good verse to help children remember that God gives light even in darkness. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Mom or Dad, Jesus will give you light for your situation also, no matter how dark it may appear to you. Jesus always moves toward light and life.
Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. For a child, knowing that something bigger is in the room makes them feel safer. That’s why my daddy can beat your daddy, because in my mind, he is bigger than yours. Placing your trust in Jesus is like letting Him hold the keys to lock out whatever is making you afraid.
Now, I understand this had been directed at childhood fears of darkness, BUT we all can use these principles to overcome some dark situations which we face. Jesus will be found faithful when we seek Him. Voice your love and trust to Him. Even when the next bad thing happens, He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Fear is a tough battle to fight, but it can be won. God’s word allows us to place our trust in Him. Even when the next bad thing happens to you, He brings light into your darkness.
Blessings Love y’all