A warm hello to all readers. My apologies for writing about dread again so soon, but it comes to stay for me whenever an experience re-stimulates childhood traumas. I can’t be alone in this, yet it’s something people very rarely talk about outside therapy, or perhaps a doctor’s consulting room. Maybe this is because our society tends to view anxiety and fear as weaknesses, something to be deeply ashamed of and concealed. However, such feelings are an unavoidable part of being alive, and highly meaningful. Their job is to spur us to take action in order to regain some security, so perhaps it’s a good thing that they cannot be wished away.
Dread (2)
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8; NIV).
You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me (Psalm 139:5; NIV).
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7; NIV).
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand (John 10:29; NIV).
Father,
Please heal my dread.
Help me to remember
How close you are –
Within and around me,
Behind and before me,
Above and below me,
On my left and my right.
Your hand is always upon me.
You never leave me,
Or forsake me –
Whatever happens.
So despite the way I feel,
There is nothing to fear,
For no one can snatch me
From your hand.