This Is the Way

As a small child of about five, I once got separated from my parents on an outing to a very large and busy science centre. I had become fascinated by a large display in front of me and did not notice that my parents had moved a few feet off to my right. They could see me, but when I looked up, I did not see them.

In panic and fear I ran to my left, directly into a busy crowd, in the opposite direction from my Dad and Mum, who were the source of safety in my little world. Eventually a kind security guard spotted me in my panicked state and kept watch over me until, much to everyone’s relief, my parents were located, and we were reunited.

Fear will rarely lead us in the right direction or help us make a sound decision. As I look back on this event, I wonder why I didn’t just yell out, “Daddy! Mommy!” And, as I look back over my Christian life, I wonder why I didn’t call out to my heavenly Father at the times when fear was present, influencing my steps.

When I was five years old, the sound of my Dad’s voice particularly was all I needed in order to know I was safe. Fifty-five years later I have become aware that there is only one voice which puts fear in its place and safety in my heart, and that is the voice of my heavenly Father.

I am so grateful that God is still in the parenting business, no matter how old we are, and that He desires and has the ability to crush every fear which is trying to influence our steps today. His actions have not only demonstrated, but have also proven, His perfect love and devotion to us on the cross. ‘But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8). He longs to welcome us into the safe refuge of His presence so that we can hear and heed His voice.

Our heavenly Father is neither passive nor silent. He speaks through the Bible, dreams, pictures, people, and creation. God’s voice is the same as His character, dependable, consistent, calm, loving, kind, and oh so patient. He will only speak truth to us, unlike fear, who is a liar.

God does not raise His voice, even when our sinful responses and actions deserve it. His responses and actions are one hundred percent trustworthy, as His word affirms over and over.

‘But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness’ (Psalm 86:15).

If fear is louder and more familiar than your Father’s voice today, can I encourage you to bravely stop and come before the Lord, being honest with your emotions. Make room for Him to speak into your circumstances and life. I know that this is easier said than done, but in faith would you be willing today to take some intentional time with the Lord and the word and listen. Don’t let the fear that you won’t hear anything make that decision for you.

Prayer: Father, in faith, I come before You today acknowledging my need of Your love and safety and to hear what You have to say about all that is going on around me. I submit my emotions to You and ask You to forgive me where I have allowed fear to lead me. If Your perfect love is what casts out fear (1 John 4:18), then Father, my greatest need today is to know and receive Your perfect love. I open my heart to You today and invite You to reveal Yourself to me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.