40 Days Of Prayer - Day 34

The Basement

Scripture

John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Devotion

A few years ago, my husband took up knife throwing and practiced in our basement. He stood at one end of the room and sent a variety of knives flying to the far wall. Friends, if you needed a reason to be afraid to go down there this was it.

Some of my children long before the knife throwing were afraid of the basement. The staircase had no risers so they would imagine as they ran upward that someone could grab their ankle at any moment. I’m telling you they ran like Olympic sprinters to avoid the touch of the monster that did not exist.

I’ve been afraid in the basement too. One night I was reading a Frank Peretti novel (stories that reveal what is happening in the spiritual world) and suddenly realized the late hour after being completely engrossed in my book. I was so on edge I walked up the stairs with my back pressed against the wall all the way up the stairs.

In recent years we have seen how fear can change our lives and our relationship with God. Maybe you are afraid of health issues, or have money concerns. Maybe you’re afraid of what others think of you or the unknown future.

God Himself has promised to never leave or forsake us. Life will throw us curve balls and circumstances might look dire at times, perhaps even today. But the truth remains that you can rest in the solid truth that the great God of the universe, who made you, who cherishes you, who pursues you, died for you and prays for you says I love you.

Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of who shall I be afraid?”

Prayer

"Heavenly Father, help me to remember that nothing can separate me from your love, that I can trust you and not be afraid."
 
Written by Sheila Ely