Life's Dark Hallways

Life's Hallways

“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” Mark Twain 

Have you ever been really afraid? I mean heart-pounding, palm-sweating, knee-shaking, throat-choking terror that engulfs you?

My parents live in a block ranch-style house in Florida. Like most homes built in the 1950s, it has a long hallway with bedrooms on one end and the living room and kitchen on the opposite end with the bathroom situated at the halfway point. 

At night, and especially during stormy weather if the power went out, that hallway loomed dark and sinister when I was a child. When I came out of the bathroom, I’d peek around the corner to make sure nothing was there to “get me.” Rarely did I feel confident there wasn’t, so I’d summon the courage to outrun “it.” As I streaked down the long hallway, my little feet barely made contact with the linoleum. My siblings made similar sprints. It didn’t help that my dad would casually remark, as a storm approached, he’d heard a news report about escaped convicts in the area. 

Funny, as an adult, that hallway doesn’t seem quite so long or foreboding to me. 

If we’re completely honest, we all have dark hallways and monsters we try to outrun. If we can reach a certain level of security, whether financial, physical, or emotional, we’ll cease to be afraid. Meanwhile, we sprint down the hallway before “it” gets us, and we survive until our next encounter with a dark hallway.

The United States is in the midst of a Presidential election. Some folks are scared of what will happen to our country if the incumbent is reelected. Others are equally scared of what will happen if his opponent is elected. 

Fear is everywhere. It’s consuming and debilitating. And yet, nothing is gained from it.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 KJV

The fallacy of applying our own strength to situations beyond our control is that we don’t leave room for God’s security. Before King David became king, perhaps he slept with one eye open and always looked over his shoulder. After all, a madman, King Saul, had a vested interest in David not becoming king. Ultimately, God’s strength and wisdom provided physical and spiritual protection for Israel’s future king.

What fear is paralyzing you today? Impending results from a medical test? Stepping into the unknown to walk a path God designed for you? Maybe something less life threatening like setting boundaries in an unhealthy relationship or standing up for yourself? Perhaps your fear stems from bitterness and chaos in which your soul resides. 

Whatever your dark hallway, I encourage you to reach for God’s comforting hand to guide you. Residing inside His will and leaning on His strength is the best security you’ll ever experience. 

***************************************************************************

If you have a prayer request, I’d love to hear from you. Please email me or share in the comments section so others can pray. Do you have a praise report? Share those, as well. The prayer list which normally appears here each week can be accessed now through its own individual page, as well as information on the soldier we’re praying for, at the top of this blog. Please take a moment to scroll through and lift each name up in prayer. 

Our worship song this week is “In Christ Alone” performed by Natalie Grant.

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song

God bless,

Laura

 © Laura Hodges Poole