We were traveling in opposite directions on the same street. As I slowed for the stop sign and glanced at the brochure in my hand, I realized his vehicle had pulled up alongside mine. His window was rolled down, and I apparently rolled mine down as well to hear his question. It had something to do with the brochure I was holding, and he wanted one. Already feeling apprehensive, I told him he could get one from my husband at the church which was just beyond the stop sign. Pulling into the church’s parking lot, I was quick to exit my car and hasten toward my husband’s office. For some reason, I had to enter the building a back way, and then found it difficult to locate the office. Finally entering the office and finding my husband, the fear was growing that I was being followed. My voice lost itself somewhere in my emotions as my husband disappeared into an adjoining room. Alone in the office, someone else was entering through the main door and I pulled back against a wall. Seeing the sock cap that was covering half of the intruder’s face, my screams broke the silence of the night, and suddenly the arms of my husband were around me, his words comforting me and assuring me that it had all been a dream.
Dreams can terrify us, but so can life itself. As I attempted to quiet myself so that I could sleep restfully for the remainder of the night, I thought how much like God my husband had been. When I thought I was all alone – he was there. When I felt the descending horror – his words comforted me. When the insanity of it all wanted to crush me and the threatening darkness caused me to recoil in fear – his arms were around me. I have had times in my life when I cried out to God for Him to let me literally feel His arms around me, and the warmth of His arms that drew me close to His being was real and intimate and assuring. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God ... you are precious in My sight ... you are honored and I love you ... Do not fear, for I am with you.
(Related Bible reading: Isaiah 43:1-4, 10,11)
