This past week, I had a daunting task of solo parenting 3 kids for 4 days/nights while my wife was away with the military. It is not a new thing, as I have done it before, but there are always new challenges as well. I debated going to the Iowa State Fair to watch my wife perform on Sunday, and asked some relatives for help in this, but was unable to recruit anyone. I still considered going solo, but feared the challenges outweighed the benefit in doing so and therefore stayed home. The only thing my kids worried and asked about during this time was when mom was going to be home. We even did a 4 day countdown chart for the 4 year old. My 15 month old daughter also asked for mama, but once she realized that dad was mostly meeting her needs, she slept like a baby. As a child, it is easy to be afraid of real or imaginary things we may encounter, but when reassured by those who love us, they can dispel most of those fears. What were your biggest fears as a child?
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
I heard a story this past week from someone who was leading a life of crime and how he was living in constant fear of getting caught and going back to jail. He was mistrustful of others and always trying to cover his tracks so that he would not be found out. If we are doing illegal or dishonest things, there is legitimacy in worrying about what might happen, but if we are really not doing anything wrong, or speeding, or hurting others, we should not be fearful of what might happen. Worry is a form of fear and is a lack of trust in our future. I always recall my mother warning me against doing things that might get me hurt or in trouble, as that was her nature. These were unlikely things, but she always wanted me to ‘be careful.’ Though she trusted us, she still worried a little about what could happen. What do you worry about?
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34
The more we understand and trust God’s love for us, the less we have to fear the things of this world and the death that awaits us all. When Lazarus came back from the dead, did he fear death again? When we trust the Lord for our salvation and don’t even fear our death, the little things we encounter in this life and challenges of this world should not even compare.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
Yours in Christ,
Clark
