Monsters under the bed

By CHERYL CRUCE

I was one of those kids who believed monsters lived under the bed. If it was dark, my mind ran wild with all the popping and cracking sounds a house can make late at night.
Falling asleep alone was nearly impossible; if I did, the dreams that followed matched my fears.
Thankfully, my bedroom was shared with two older sisters. For them, the room was too crowded; however, I believed the room was the perfect fit for the three of us.
When my older sister started dating, and the other began staying with friends, I learned to dread the weekends. Eventually, the two would be gone simultaneously, leaving me alone to fight against my fear of the dark. On those weekends, every monster possible lived in the closet, under the bed, and in my dreams.
I remember one Friday night, Mom and Dad tucking me in against the protest of my 6-year-old self. They had looked under the beds and in the closet, chasing away all the scary things my mind could imagine. Nonetheless, my fears could not be quieted, even with the promise of the light being left on.
That was when my Daddy said he would be just outside my door watching over me. With that promise, I settled down and closed my eyes.
I drifted in and out of sleep that night. Each time I woke up, I would tiptoe to the door and see my Dad sitting in his old, reupholstered armchair. Long after the television signed off at midnight, he remained vigilant by my door, keeping me safe. There was so much comfort in his presence. Dad was the first face that greeted me the following day, humming a tune only known by him.  
There are a lot of monsters in this world. They are not always hiding under the bed or in the closet. They are open and bold. The news tells us of war, violence, and hatred every evening. The darkness is intense, and we are often afraid to close our eyes. Yet scripture teaches us that the darkness is as light to our Heavenly Father, that the night will shine like the brightness of day (Psalm 139:12). He promises that when the monsters come our way, we will not be overwhelmed because He is with us (Isaiah 43:2). Through His son, Jesus, we are assured of His presence even until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
Daddy’s sincerest yearning was for his children to feel safe, even if he had to stay up all night to accomplish it. His love helped me defeat the monsters of my youth.  In the same way, the Heavenly Father wants His children to be secure in His love. He promises to keep us safe as He watches over us. The Psalmist tells us of a Father who does not slumber nor sleep. He constantly watches over His children (Psalm 121:3-4).  
Our Heavenly Father desires to be present with His us, to chase away our fear and hurt. To make us whole and new before Him. Maybe it is time we trusted Him to guard us through the night, to keep us safe when life seems to be its scariest. With God, we are never alone. His love will defeat the monsters of our souls. Rest in Him today.

Proverbs 3:23-24, 26b Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 26, for the Lord will be at your side.


Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.