Scary Situation

Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God.

--Isaiah 41:10a

It was her first sleepover and it was with me, her Grandma.  I don’t know who was more excited, me or her. As for her parents, they were a bit anxious. My son and daughter-in-law had never spent a night apart from two year-old Addie, and they wondered how it would go. They packed up all the essential equipment to make for a smooth stay-over—the books, the toys, the favorite foods, and of course the pajamas. And when they dropped her off, they offered reassuring words about when they would return and how much they loved her.  Then they set out for a night alone—dinner and shopping for a few more items for the baby-on-the-way.

At last, Grandma and Addie time! We colored, read books, watched Peppa Pig, and looked at every picture on Grandma’s phone. Time flew quickly, and before we knew it, it was time for bed.

We snuggled under the covers—two baby dolls, Addie, and Grandma.

“I love you, Addie.”

“I love you, Grandma.”

“Good night, Addie.”

“Good night, Grandma.”

After hugs and kisses, we lay there in the dark quiet, Addie pressed so close to me you couldn’t slip a sheet of paper between us. Quiet, that is, except for the creaks and cracks of the baseboard heat.

“What’s that?”

“That’s the heater.”

“Heater scary!”

“Oh, the heater’s just working to keep us warm.”

A few moments later, that electric heat was at it again.

“What’s that, Grandma?”

“The heater.”

“Heater scary!”

“Remember the heater is just working to keep us warm.  We don’t want to be cold, do we?  No, we want to be warm.”

Addie seemed satisfied with my response—until the next time the heater erupted.  And then it was the same question all over again. 

“It’s okay, Addie.  It’s just the heater.  And Grandma is here with you.” I reassured, as I held her close.

The same exchange occurred every few minutes, every time the heater emitted the least little pop—every time I had just drifted off to sleep.

Finally, after three and a half hours of heater conversations, Addie drifted off to sleep—and stayed asleep till morning.

How many times have I been like Addie—in new territory, in scary unfamiliar surroundings—and have cried out again and again?

Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified...for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

No matter the circumstance, the Lord is there. 

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up;

the flames will not consume you.—Isaiah 43:2

God doesn’t promise us a trouble-free life.  No, even Jesus, Himself, said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). But He does promise to be with us through it all. 

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.—Isaiah 41:10 

Are you going through a new season in your life?  A new job, new school, or a move to a new location? Are you moving on after a failed relationship? Have you experienced the death of a loved one? Or maybe you’ve just had to leave your two year-old for her first overnight stay. 

Addie, equipped for her first sleepover

Remember, He is there—right beside you, holding you.  He loves you and watches over you.  He never slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). Trust Him. He has equipped you with everything you need for your stay-over on this earth (2 Peter 1:3). And whatever the situation, He will see you through it. You will be better and stronger because of it and shine like the stars in the universe (Philippians 2:15). 

The next morning the sun was shining and Addie awoke with a bright smile to match—and her arms stretched out to receive my embrace. Excited for the new day, we dressed quickly, had our breakfast, and set out to experience more of what God had in store. 

Dear Lord, thank You for being with me, no matter the circumstance, and for not losing patience with me (Psalm 145:8) for crying out over and over again about the same thing.  Help me to trust You, knowing that You have all things under control and that You can make good of all that I experience (Romans 8:28). You see me through the seasons and the scary situations that are for my benefit, like a scary-sounding heater that keeps me warm. May I turn to Your word for reassuring reminders of Your undying love and Your mercies that are new every morning.  And may I always have a heart of gratitude, for great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23). And God, thank You for Addie. Amen.