Don't Be Afraid by Faith Spears White

Through the years I spent days at home alone, especially in the latter years of my marriage. Doyle would go overseas or out of state. The thought of leaving our home or being afraid was never a consideration.

A few weeks after his death a spirit of fear gripped my heart. At times, after closing the garage door, I considered just putting back the seat to sleep in the car rather than facing going into the house. Many nights, after roaming the house till daylight, exhaustion would cause me to drop into a troubled sleep for a few hours. Even in daylight hours, a feeling of dread and fear would grip my heart.

Knowing that God did not give us the spirit of fear, I earnestly prayed for peace but did not want to let anyone know just how miserable my life was. Also, believing the more you speak about something the more real it becomes, my life was total misery for a couple of months.

Things were better after moving to an apartment in Blytheville, Arkansas, but the battle was still quite fierce. Late one night I fell asleep only to be jarred awake hearing someone in my apartment. In fact, they were walking down the hall by my bedroom. I could feel the vibrations of their footsteps and realized it must be a big person.

I had given keys to all of my family and thought that perhaps Steve, my son, had come over for some reason. I called out to him. No answer. I then raised my voice and called out to see if Shane, my grandson, was there. No answer. I jumped out of bed and walked into the living room. It was deserted, so I glanced at the door and was amazed. I had gone to bed and forgotten to lock the door! There was a chain lock, deadbolt, and knob lock on that door (all those locks were there when I moved in; I was not quite that paranoid!). I quickly went over and locked them.

Then fear struck. I turned around and thought that whoever had entered my apartment was now in the back bedroom and I had locked us in. I raised my hands and said, "Jesus, help me!" A wonderful peace flooded my soul. Then I heard His voice as He spoke to my heart: "Don't be afraid. I sent one of my angels to let you know that I am watching over you." Then He repeated, "Don't be afraid."

I cannot describe how I felt. This wonderful God who keeps the universe in orbit had taken time to come and speak comfort to my troubled spirit. After giving Him thanks, I simply went back to bed. I did not even check that back bedroom.

So, if you feel alone and are fearful, just remember that Jesus knows just where you are. He is saying to you, "Don't be afraid." "I will fear no evil: for thou art with me" (Psalm 23:4).

(Reprinted from Reflections Magazine.)

Featured Articles