Lightning zipped across the sky with thunder roaring on its heels, as we drove from downtown Seattle to Duvall, Washington.  From the back seat my nine-year-old great-niece cried out in fear.  Twisting around, I saw her small body shaking and tears streaming down her cheeks.  I felt helpless because I couldn’t reach her from the front seat.  Suddenly her cries began to fade.  I turned again and saw my grandson, Palmer, rubbing his cousin’s arm softly and saying, “It’s okay, Kayla.  Think of something fun.  Remember how we beat the other cousins today in a race at the park?”  She giggled and nodded.  The lightning and thunder increased and lasted for the entire hour drive, but with no more cries from Kayla because Palmer kept his arms around her, soothing her with his words.

I smiled, proud of Palmer as I remembered how often God calms my fears.  As a child of God, I know that in times of crisis or challenge, God encircles me and calms my fears.  I remember how God gave reassurance to the Israelites: “Do not fear, for I am with you.”  And Jesus reaffirmed the promise: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (NRSV).  Like Kayla, I am calmed by the loving arms of Jesus.  And his promise of protection and comfort assures me that everything will work out.

 

Prayer: God of all comfort, thank you for your constant presence with us and for your word that assures us of protection and comfort.  Amen.