That’s become the SOP when I take my Barny back for visits to the veterinarian. The receptionist smiles “Welcome back, Mr. Houdini!” and off we go, directly to a quiet exam room to wait for Dr. Smith. No more noisy big back room for Barny. He is in my arms, or in his carrier with my arms firmly around the carrier, the entire time.
God speaks unceasingly to His children, all day, every day, if we have ears to listen. That first day and every day since when I take my fearful little Barny for his nail-trimming, God reminds me, yet again, that I do not need to worry. I only need to actively trust Him. I may still feel fearful, like my little cat, but so long as I stay in God’s arms—in the path of obedience—I am completely and totally safe. And, eventually, my fear fades as I relax into God’s calming, loving presence.
Our Heavenly Father whose love for us is greater than the height of the heavens above the earth (Psalm 103), who is all-knowing, all-wise and, all-powerful has promised never, no never, to leave His children He daily carries us close to his heart, like a shepherd with an injured lamb.
In His infinite, boundless wisdom He gives us the ability to think on one thing at a time, if we choose to focus. He promises to keep us in complete peace IF we fix our hearts on Him. (Isaiah 26:3) That is often a challenging “if” for my type of personality but I usually get my mind where it should be, sooner rather than later now.
He also soothingly tells us we will face trouble each day but not to worry for He HAS ALREADY overcome the world. By His grace, I am learning to take a light-hearted approach to problems and to see them as chances to stay close to my beloved Father. I am learning to sense His nearness and hear His soothing whispers of love, right in the middle of my storms, just like my darling Barny.
One of the many places God promises to be with us and to take care of us always is Deuteronomy 31: 6. In this passage, God is reassuring Joshua, who is soon to succeed Moses, who led God’s people for forty years. The Israelites are about to enter the land promised to them, but it is a land occupied by their enemies.
Each and every day, if we are following Christ with all our heart, we can confidently face whatever fear or danger lies ahead. We have this promise from God. And He is oh so faithful, oh so trustworthy!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them [the enemy – explanation added], for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (New International Version)