Fear

Recently, Joseph has been experiencing a lot of fear and anxiety at bedtime. It's not just "trying to get out of going to bed." It is real fear. I remember experiencing this as a child...I was very fearful and worried about EVERYTHING! I don't want Joseph to let fear control him...it is so hard as a parent to handle these types of situations...especially when you are tired and just want to go to sleep!

His current fear is of someone breaking into our house. I can't tell him that will never happen. I've explained to him that the dogs would go crazy if someone tried to break in and that would wake up Daddy. He replied, "So, what could Daddy do about it? He doesn't even know how to fight." (I had to giggle a little when he said that!) Jarrod has tried to explain to him that if our family were in danger, he would do everything in his power to protect us. Joseph then started worrying that the bad guy might have a gun and shoot Daddy.

These are real fears...these things could happen...we live in a world where evil is real...bad guys are real...

I've just been praying with him every night and teaching him how to pray. Here are some Bible verses that we've used when praying:

Psalm 27:1

The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:13

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.