Mom Heart Moments #92

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.

“MAMA, THE WORLD SEEMS LIKE a very scary place, and it makes me feel powerless. I am afraid I will be so lonely and insecure without friends and family around me.”

Joy, my daughter, would be leaving the next day to study in Oxford, England, and we had just finished zipping her last suitcase shut. She’d been listening to the news about terrorist threats to England and the United States, devastating reports of earthquakes and war, and immorality among Christian leaders. Joy was understandably feeling overwhelmed.

“Can we have one last time together out on the grass, under the stars?” she pleaded. “I need some peace before I go to bed.”

In our last moments together, I wanted to lift Joy up to God, to leave her with courage, and to assure her of the One who would care for her. “Joy, this vast display of stars and all the galaxies beyond have been held in place by the sure, strong hands of God for thousands of years. You will always have a choice to make. If you look at the darkness and fear, you will grow dark in your soul. But if you look to God and trust Him with your days, you will reflect His reality in all of your words, your relationships, your work, and your celebrations. Keep the memory of this night and His power and beauty always before your eyes and ever in your thoughts. And, of course, you know that you will be in my heart and in my prayers constantly.”

In what areas do you find yourself facing fear? How does knowing God’s power encourage your heart?