Paralyzing Fear

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

I sat earlier today watching an unpleasant scene. I saw a young boy doubled over in what appears to be pain.  It was pain, but it was mental boy.  The boy, who could not be over ten years old, was having an anxiety attack. He was yelling at his parent/guardian to take him home.  If one didn't know what was happening, you would have been imagining the worst.The boy was having an anxiety attack because of the weather. He had a paralyzing fear of the dark clouds in the sky. He was afraid a tornado was going to come down on him.  He was afraid the wind just going to be picking him up and taking him away. He was afraid of one of the trees blowing in the wind would topple over and land on him.These fears broke my heart.  The fear that was paralyzing him from going any further.  He didn't want to leave his house. He didn't want to play outside or anything. His fear had taken over him.

This sad story reminds me how easily we can be distracted from our view of God as our protector. In Psalm 91, we read how God is our refuge.  This is what God tells us:  "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation."  If we confidence in our salvation, we really have nothing to fear.  I pray for this young boy.  I pray that his parents will show him how to trust in God. I pray that you will find rest in him. That you will trust in his name and take refuge in him.