You know the one I’m talking about. The one where you wake up from sleep with your heart pounding, terrified of the shadows, and confused as to where you are. Without thought I swept back the covers and jumped to my feet, running out to the living room, that feeling of terror dogging my heels.
My poor husband, who, after a long night at work was fixing himself a pre-bedtime snack looked up from his plate, startled at my sudden and abrupt appearance. I simply said, “I had a bad dream. A really bad dream.”
It was enough. Without thought he dropped what he was doing and swept me into his arms, holding me tightly against his chest. With a soft kiss on the top of my head he began to pray, asking God to take away my terror and to fill me with peace. After several minutes the reality of the dream began to fade and I felt God’s peace flood my heart and mind. He let me nestle there, for a few precious minutes, until I felt ready to leave the comfort of his arms.
Why am I telling you this?
Last night reminded me of a scripture. Proverbs 18:10 to be exact.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
When you think of a tower, what comes to mind? Safety. Strength. Protection. When life becomes full of worry, weariness and fatigue, where would you turn to? When life’s struggles begin to gather against you, when you feel as though you can’t go on any further, where do you go for protection? When the terror of the night overtakes you, who do you turn to?
You run toward the Lord, the God of peace and love, the God of forgiveness. Let Him wrap His arms around you, holding you tight against His chest. Without a moment’s hesitation God will drop everything He is doing to wrap you in His love. With a soft kiss He will wipe away your tears and your fears, whispering words of love and encouragement and speak the peace of His everlasting love into your heart and mind.
And when you are ready, when His love and peace and goodness has completely stripped away the terror of the night He will still keep you nestled close to His heart, even as you begin to live your life again. You will never be out of the reach of His love, mercy, and peace. He will never…never let you go!
All He is waiting for is you.
Blessings,
Kathy Wereb
what a beautiful word picture!
A wonderful reminder!