It is not often that my children come to sleep in my bed, mainly because I cannot sleep well when they do. All of my children have come to understand this unspoken rule. They know that I will comfort them after a bad dream. I will snuggle with them during a thunderstorm. And I will even pray and sing over them in the midst of a restless night. However, they also know that in the end, when the tears have dried, I am going to tuck them back safely into their own beds. They understand that when the time is right, I am going to return to mine, normally whispering this familiar verse as I quietly slip away:

2 Timothy 1:7

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

But on one occasion things ended up a bit different. Olivia, the baby (in every sense of the word!) of my bunch was afraid and something in me could not send her back to her room. There was no rain and no thunder or lightening. There were no bad dreams or scary shadows.

There was just a little girl, her fear and a momma that could relate.

She slipped into the perfect spot between my husband and I, and softly tucked her head right below my chin. She does that oh-so-well!

Psalms 34:4

I sought the Lord, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears.

I wrapped my arms around her and gave her a big squeeze. It was then, in that moment, that I realized how grateful I was that I was there for her. Tears began to roll down my cheeks as I thought about how she must have felt lying in her bed full of fear.

Afraid of her own thoughts.

Afraid to keep her eyes closed

Afraid of what may happen if she opened them.

Afraid to seek comfort and afraid to be alone.

No one wants to be afraid. Even more than that, no one wants to be afraid and alone.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

As I hugged my daughter, I felt God’s love for me, His daughter. He reminded me that I do not have to be afraid and that when I am, I am not alone.

Fear itself has a way of pushing us away from the One who brings comfort. I am so grateful that when I am afraid, He is there.

Psalm 34

I will bless the Lord at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

If you find yourself in the dark, lonely, scary places of life, remind yourself of this:

He is peace.

He is comfort.

He is protection.

He is hope.

He is joy.

He is love.

You are not alone. You are His daughter and He is there with you. Always.