Scary Storms

Read: Psalm 23:1-6

Madison’s dog nuzzled up against her hand, whining anxiously. Madison closed her history textbook and looked down. “What’s wrong, Buddy?” she asked, even though she knew Buddy couldn’t answer. Then she heard thunder booming in the distance.

Buddy perked up his ears, then whined again. Madison looked out the window at the dark clouds piling high as rain began hitting the glass. A bolt of lightning flashed across the sky. Madison bent down to stroke Buddy’s head. “It’s okay,” she said. “It’s just a storm. You’re safe inside.”

Buddy whined some more. Madison sighed. She needed to study for her big test tomorrow. Her heart beat faster just thinking about it. “Come on, Buddy, you’re fine.” Madison picked up her book again, feeling sick to her stomach. She always had trouble remembering all the dates and places, then she’d panic, which made it even harder to think. She hoped she wouldn’t forget everything she studied.

Mom walked into the room. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

Madison sighed again. “Buddy’s scared of the storm, but I need to finish my homework.” Mom nodded. “Buddy’s always been scared of storms.” She thought for a minute. “What are some things that scare you, Madison?”

Madison looked up, surprised. “I’m scared of heights. Remember when Dad wanted me to go down that big water slide, but I couldn’t even make it up the stairs?” She paused. “And sometimes I’m scared to take tests. I worry I won’t remember everything and will get a bad grade.”

“So who do you go to for help?” asked Mom.

“Well, sometimes you and Dad. You help me study.”

“And that’s good. But there’s someone else you can also go to.” Mom reached down and patted Buddy’s head. “Isn’t it interesting that Buddy knows to come to you for comfort? That’s how Jesus wants us to think about Him. He wants to be our first option for peace and comfort. When we come to Him with our fears, He comforts us and reminds us that He’s in control and will always love us and be with us no matter what happens.”

“So, since I’m worried about my test, I should pray about it?” Madison asked.

Mom nodded. “I think that’s a great idea.”

–Abigail Singrey

How about you? What scares you? Is it spiders, the dark, or meeting new kids at church or school? Maybe you freeze up with fear, or maybe you get a funny feeling in your stomach. Whatever worries you have, you can bring them to Jesus. He won’t think they’re silly. When we pray to God about whatever is troubling us, He will calm our worries and let us know He’s with us.

Today's Key Verse: Give all your worries to Him because He cares for you. (NLV) 1 Peter 5:7

Today's Key Thought: Pray about your problems