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The Lord tears down the house of the proud
but maintains the widow’s boundaries.
Proverbs 15:25 (ESV)

I jolted up in bed at the sound of the dog barking ferociously.

What was happening? Was someone outside? Was that the wind howling or was that someone’s voice I heard?

In the early days after Michael’s death, it seemed like noises always spooked me during the night. The air conditioner started to sound ominous. Even the ice maker would convince me that someone was in my kitchen. While I knew intellectually that I was safe, my imagination would often get carried away.

There were nights when I would let my daughter sleep with me in case something happened during the night. I wanted to make sure I could get to her quickly. There were other times when I would let my Golden Retriever sleep inside to stand guard.

Has this ever happened to you?

I believe that fear is one of Satan’s strongest attacks against Christians. If he can paralyze us with fear, then he is able to keep us from fully trusting Christ. Our focus shifts from focusing on our Savior to dwelling on our circumstances. God wants us to entrust our fears to him.

In the Old Testament, the people built walls around the city to protect people from their enemies. These walls served as boundaries. At night, when I became afraid, I would pray this verse to the Lord. I would say, “Lord, You promised in Your word to keep the widow’s boundaries intact. I’m asking You to surround the boundaries of my heart, my family, and my property with Your presence. Place burly angels at the corners of my property to protect us as we rest.”

Often, after I prayed this prayer, peace would envelop my soul so that I could finally find rest. This verse in Psalms also gave me much comfort.

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation.
Psalm 68:5 (ESV)

When we are anxious or fearful, we need to remember that we have the greatest Protector of all. The Lord Jesus Christ has taken up our cause. He has a heart for widows. He not only sees our fears and our pain, but He longs to help us wade through them.

Christ left His throne in heaven to come to earth to win our hand in marriage. When we receive His precious gift of salvation, we become His bride. If an earthly groom cares for his bride, how much more will our Heavenly Groom care for us?

The next time fear threatens to suffocate you, call out to the Lord.

Pray scripture to the Lord. Ask God to hem you in and protect you by the power of His might.

Father, thank You for being our ultimate defender. I pray for my dear sisters. Cast out any fears that keep us from fully trusting You. Give us perfect peace. When we feel alone, fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Make us aware of Your presence. Help us to find rest when we are weary. We praise You, because of Who You are. We thank You for Your grace and for Your presence with us. I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen!