When my children were younger they would sleep together. Three children bodies in one twin size bed. They made it work. There were nights it was quite comical as they planned the “layout” of their small bodies to fit the frame of the bed. Most nights there were two heads at one end and one head at the opposite. Without fail, I would find them snuggled up together the next morning – all three heads at the same end. Their tiny arms wrapped as far around their bed partners as they could. It was really the sweetest time.

One night I asked them, “Why do all three of you need to sleep together in the same bed? We have plenty of beds in the house.” I remember their answer so distinctly, “Because when we get scared at night we can hug one another” Of course you can sweet babies. Of course you can.

The fear my precious children faced in a dark room at night was real. And even in the comfort and safety of our home. Where Daddy and Mommy were waiting to combat monsters or boogie bears. Even in the safe haven – there was a fear. And I, very quickly learned, the things they were most afraid of aren’t much different from the fears we all face.

Fear of the dark places, the unknown, the silence of the night.

And for my kiddos, the embrace of their sibling was comfort enough to cradle them back off to sleep when the fear arose.

I couldn’t help but wonder if this is what we all need. When darkness seems to encompass us even in the sacred places that we long to find rest and peace. When we sit in the familiar, yet are surrounded by a great fear of the unknown. When the stillness all around us causes questions to arise in our mind and the heavy beat of our heart is all we seem to listen to. Frozen motionless by the fear gripping us.

What if we were swooped up in big hug? What if releasing into the arms of our Savior could send the fear monster running far away. Are we so different from the child who stops trembling when Mommy or Daddy runs to their rescue in the middle of the night declaring “It’s ok. I’m here. Hush now. Don’t cry.”

I stand in confidence today and declare that all fear must leave in His presence.

Our Savior is near. He is as close as the mention of His name. He has not left us trembling in the presence of fear. The lights are on. Darkness has diminished and the heartbeat of our Daddy God is heavy in our ears as we lean into the comfort of His everlasting arms.

Rest in His truth today.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18