Boo!

In a couple of weeks, the streets will be filled with little princesses, super heroes, ghosts, and vampires. Pumpkins are being carved into jack-o-lanterns, and every cart at Wal-Mart boasts a package of candy.

Little ones love to shout "boo!" and the adults love to pretend they have been scared senseless.

It's a fun time.

But real fear is absolutely no fun at all. We've all been there. The ER in the middle of the night. The bedside of someone we love. Dark nights and strange noises. Layoffs. A doctor's call. A crop in the field and no clouds in the sky.

We struggle to hold on to the hand of God in the midst of it all. Our strength wavers.

But the amazing promise is that God is holding on to us. He takes our fear into his mighty hands and carries it for us. His power and strength are a strong tower whose walls will not be compromised. He is present in the dark nights of our souls. Ever powerful. Ever faithful. Ever there.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand....For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."  Isaiah 41:10, 13

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe."  

Proverbs 18:10