As a child I had a reoccurring fear that manifested itself all too frequently.  I knew there was monster that lived in my room.  Sometimes it was under the bed, other times it was in the closet, and still other times it could be behind the curtains that covered the windows.  My most vivid memories are that the monster was under my bed and if I could just get the courage to check, I knew it would be gone.  Consequently, I have equally vivid memories of mustering up the courage to look under the bed only to discover there was nothing there.  Other times I needed to check the closet – all in attempt to quiet my fears.

Silly childhood fears still manifest themselves from time to time.  Only this time the monsters reside in the recesses of our minds.  Fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of confusing God’s voice with my own, fear of missing the mark.  Dealing with those monsters as an adult is not as easy as looking under the bed, in the closet, or pulling the curtains back.  The monsters I experience as an adult require much more effort to overcome, but it is possible.  In fact, we are taught that all things are possible if we simply believe.

If you struggle with monsters consider this simple prayer:

“God, help me to believe that you are a monster slayer.  Help me to know that when times are dark and uncertain.  Remind me that you are greater than any of the monsters I may encounter.  Give me the courage to know the monsters that manifest themselves are as easy to defeat as hanging over the edge of the bed and taking a look – if I simply trust You.  Grant me faith to pull back the curtains that offer hiding places.  I          ask for strength to enter the dark closets of my mind and let Your light in.  Help me to keep all of my fears in check and to always be confident that You are the light that still dispels the darkness and the monsters I create today.”

Today, live!