The Jesus Chair

Bible Reading: Psalms 23:4; 34:4; 56:3; Philippians 4:6-7

Aunt Bonnie touched Will’s shoulder. “Is something the matter, Will?”

“Not really,” Will answered. He stared at his video game, avoiding his aunt’s eyes.

Aunt Bonnie sat down and took the game out of Will’s hands. “Are you worried about your surgery tomorrow? It’s okay to be afraid, but you should give that fear to God and let Him take care of it.”

“How do I give God my fear?” Will asked.

Aunt Bonnie pointed to a small wooden chair next to her china cabinet. “I call that my Jesus chair. It helps me remember that because I trust in Jesus, He is always with me. Whenever I feel afraid, I imagine Jesus sitting in this chair, talking to me, just like a best friend.”

Will watched as his aunt reached over to the empty chair. “What are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m handing my fear to Jesus,” Aunt Bonnie said. “He takes all my problems and carries them for me so I don’t have to worry about them.”

Tears started to run down Will’s cheeks. “But they’re going to cut open my chest and mess around with my heart!”

“God created everything, including your heart. He knows all about fixing it.” Aunt Bonnie put her arm around Will. “The Bible tells us that God is with us wherever we go. He will be in that operating room.”

Will wiped his tears with the back of his hand. “Too bad I won’t be able to see Him.”

“But you can imagine Him standing next to your bed, just like I imagine Jesus sitting in my living room.” Aunt Bonnie knelt next to the couch and patted the floor. “Kneel with me, Will. Let’s pray.”

Will knelt beside his aunt and bowed his head.

“Lord, please let Will feel your comfort and peace,” Aunt Bonnie prayed. “Guide the surgeon’s hands tomorrow, and please heal Will’s heart. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.”

Will got up from the floor. “Jesus really is in your living room, Aunt Bonnie! I felt Him next to me, almost like a hug!”

Aunt Bonnie smiled. “And He will be at your side tomorrow too! Even if you can’t see Him or feel Him, He will be there with you.” -Bonnie Carr

How About You?

Are you facing a scary situation in your life? Whether it’s heart surgery, a new school, a difficult class, or a piano recital, Jesus will be with you the whole time. He is a friend you can talk to anytime. Give your worries to Him and trust Him with the outcome. Even though you can’t see Him, and even if you don’t feel Him, He is there by your side.

Today’s Key Verse:
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus is always with you