In past years, God captured my attention regarding my fears. Huge uncertainties about the future and qualms about the present seem to siphon off much of the peace and joy Jesus called “abundant life.”  It is those “little foxes” of fear that can rock one’s boat–big time!

The other night a dream took me on a tour of the earth. In a unique way, Father God showed me the beauties, the wonders, and the grandeur of this place called “plan-et.”  Within this dream, I am overjoyed with the colors, shapes, and glorious movement seen with God at my elbow.

The scene switches. God and I are sitting in a row boat together. He is rowing while I sit at the stern enjoying. We are in waters that are shallow at times and at other times so deep they seem bottomless. A sort of canyon like atmosphere surrounds us with rock formations to the right and to the left.

The stones are gigantic, exquisitely rich in color with veins of red and gold. The water is transparently clear. God and I are taking time out. I revel in His power to create such majesty in the formations of the earth. We are as one. And I am at peace.

That is until I think of what else is going on in the earth. I could see many “brothers” and “sisters” who did not want to be in God’s boat. Some were playing with destructive forces found in the earth. Some were grasping for power, striving to gain prestige and reverence. Never having found love, some were in a life or death struggle to gain what they considered as the next best thing. Others were making mischief just for the sheer pleasure of it, while thriving on, or ignoring, the sufferings of others. Fear struck my heart as I sat there in the boat with God. But He rowed on, evenly watching my eyes.

Suddenly I realize what folly it is on my part to fear. What, with God so near?  Wasn’t He the Creator?  Had He ceased to be in control?  Could mere humans upset His plan?  Does He not know all?  See all?  Is He not everywhere – always aware?  How can I think for a moment that the Creator can ever be thwarted by mere, finite creatures?

Like a bubble that bursts with the touch of a finger, my fears fled. Now, I see! God is in my boat and He is at the helm! Consciously returning to the truth of His love, I am enveloped with peace. Now, to let peace reign day by day . . . hour by hour. The circumstances about me need not touch this marvelous peace, if I can only keep my thoughts from the “what ifs.”  With my eyes riveted on His, my soul becomes overjoyed in the presence of His company.

Here, I catch the simple truth. Just trust. Just believe the Father’s words through Jesus His Son:  “Fear not … Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”  As my dream nears its end, the Father throws back His head and laughs. I cover my mouth as laughter begins to roll in me. Dare I laugh?  Am I so safe as to laugh in the face of my fears?

Yes, is the resounding answer! I will laugh! I will enjoy the “ride” on this river called life, reveling in the glorious grandeur seen by the eyes—and seen by the Spirit, as God is in my “boat” and He is holding the oars.