Thursday, June 22, 2017

TERROR IN THE NIGHT

In Zephaniah 3:17, we read: “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

“Grandfather.” Timmy tugged on Grandfather’s pajama sleeve. “Something awful is outside my window.”

“What?” Grandfather slung his legs over his bed, grabbed his robe. “Did you see it?” Timmy shook his head.

“Listen,” Timmy stopped, grabbed Grandfather’s hand as a spooky harsh trill pierced the silence. “What is it, Grandfather? I thought it was a bad dream but when I woke up, I heard it again.”

“Hand me your flashlight, Timmy.” He walked to the window in Timmy’s room, stood quietly.

When the mysterious noise sounded, Grandfather flashed his light into the night. Perched on a tree limb sat an Eastern Screech Owl.

“Cute little fellow, isn’t he?” Grandfather put his arm around his grandson. “He won’t hurt you. He’s perched on this limb near the streetlight waiting for his supper.” Just then, the owl swooped down, picked up a rodent, flew away.

“Wow. He didn’t make a sound when he flew. But he sure can make a racket when he talks!”

Grandfather chuckled. “That little owl jerked you from a deep sleep, Timmy. Our enemy does that many times in our life. When that happens, run to the Lord. He is The Mighty One. He rejoices when you come to Him. He will quiet your fear with His Love--”

“Like you did, Grandfather? With your light, the screech owl was kind of cute, not scary.”

Grandfather smiled, put his arm around Timmy. “Right. Now how about a cup of hot chocolate before  we head back to bed?” Timmy nodded, headed for the kitchen.

Kingdom Thinking. No matter what is happening in my life, I have to remember I am not alone. The Lord has promised never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. His love  brings quiet to my heart. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come to Him?