There comes a moment in every child's life when they encounter it. The dark. The unknown. FEAR. Tonight Princess Mini came in saying that she was afraid of the dark. She wanted to know if she could sleep with us.
It is at these moments that we as parents shape them. Being a parent is a awesome responsibility. I don't mean that in Dude, that is AWESOME kind of way. I mean it inspires awe. It shakes you to your core. It should... I think that this is why so many run from it, but that is another topic.
We don't do a lot of co-sleeping in our house. That is not exactly true. We don't let them sleep in our bed. But we have spent many a night in their rooms. When they are sick, or scared, or lonely we go to them.
I think God works with us in much the same way. When we are gripped by fear, concerned about the unknown, or just lonely, he comes in and sits next to our bed. Maybe He puts His head on the pillow or drapes His arm over you but He makes his presence known.
So there I was on the floor next to her bed with my head on her pillow. As she drifted off to sleep I prayed this Psalm over her. This was the word that I shared at our church's pray service tonight and I hope that it encourages you the way it did us.
Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Hear my voice when I call, O Lord;mbe merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me,mdo not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.
Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:1-14 NIV84)