Thoughts on fear

Fear is a strange thing.  

One online dictionary defines it this way:   "a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined." 

As some of you know, Noah has not been feeling well lately.  His acid reflux seems to be worse than ever and as a result he is not eating as much as he should.  Additionally, over the last week, he has been having some episodes of frantic movement and crying that have some similarities to seizures.  He seems to be in pain and is very difficult to comfort.  We even made a trip to the ER at Children's Hospital last week after a particularly scary episode.   We have lots of questions at this point and very few answers.  

So I come face to face with fear.  Definitely a "distressing emotion" ... I have found it difficult to eat or sleep as I wonder what is causing my son such discomfort.  "Whether the threat is real or imagined" has yet to be determined... and my mind races with all the possibilities of what could be wrong.  

The Psalms are a haven for those in distress and seeking comfort.  David reminds us time and again that it is important to approach the Lord with our fears, crying out to Him about what weighs on our minds.  

"Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me.  My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught.  My heart is in anguish within me... fear and trembling have beset me."  Ps 55:1-2, 4-5

It is as though David has read my mind.  He has expressed what I could not.  But he also reminds me of where my hope lies...

"I call out to God, and the LORD saves me.   Evening, morning, and noon, I cry out in distress and he hears my voice.  Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;   he will never let the righteous fall."  Ps 55:16-17, 22