I guess every family culture is different, but growing up in my family, we kids liked to scare each other.

Nothing gory. It was more of the psychological stuff.

Like discussing the possibility of giant ants that hide under the house and only come out at night. Of course, they’re able to squeeze through a minuscule hole at the back of my bedroom closet, and the only victims are kids younger than seven.

That story, told by by older sister, had me going for several years.

All my older siblings had to do was suggest a possible what-if scenario, then wait for me to imagine the rest.

(My older sisters on either side of me: the two that filled my head with scary stories!)

Because I had a lively imagination, I came up with doozies that kept me in a constant state of heightened awareness…especially at night.

As an adult, I’ve simply replaced these irrational fears for more realistic fears: Are my kids (grandkids) okay? Will my husband keep his job in this challenging economy? Will we be able to retire in a few years? etc.

God understands that we have lots of things to be afraid of in this world. And we can build up our fears to the point where we fail to acknowledge that none of this is beyond God’s control.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV Bible)

Those who trust in Him have a wise, loving and vigilant Father.

Walk close to Him, listen to Him, worship Him.

Fear not.