Afraid Of The Dark - The One Year Devotions for Kids #1

Afraid of the Dark

2 Corinthians 4:3-6

Kim did her best to comfort Billy, the little boy she was baby-sitting, but he was terrified. A nightmare had awakened him, and he kept saying he was sure that monsters were hiding in his room. “There’s no such thing as a monster, Billy,” Kim said as she sat on his bed and hugged him.

When she tried to tuck him under the covers, he clutched at her. “I want my mommy!” he choked out between sobs.

“Listen, Billy,” Kim soothed, “your mommy and daddy will be home soon, but you’re safe with me. I’ll tell you what: Why don’t I leave the door open and turn on the hall light? I’ll be right outside the door.”

“I want my bear,” Billy whimpered.

“All right.” Kim placed the scruffy teddy in his arms. She dried his tears and quietly left the room. “Please let him sleep,” Kim prayed. And after Billy called out to her for reassurance several times, he did sleep.

Kim was tired when Billy’s parents finally came home, but she perked up when they apologized for being late and paid her overtime. The extra money meant she would be able to buy the camera she’d been wanting.

At church the next day, a missionary showed slides of his work in India. He played pipe music too, and the eerie sound filled the room. The slides showed people whose faces were twisted by fear as they offered sacrifices to cruel-looking idols. Hey, she thought suddenly, they’re just like Billy. They’re scared of the dark—only the darkness they’re afraid of is the darkness of evil. They need to know there’s Someone to take care of them. They need the light of Jesus. Then something occurred to her. She had money. She could give some to help missionaries tell those frightened Indian people about the good news of Jesus’ love. The camera could wait for a while. AL

How about You?

Have you been afraid of the dark? Can you imagine how much worse it would be to be surrounded by the darkness of evil, with no knowledge that God loves you or that Jesus died for you? Think about what you can do to help send the light of Jesus’ salvation to the people who live in such darkness.

Memorize:

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light—a light that will shine on all who live in the land where death casts its shadow.” Isaiah 9:2

Light Up Spiritual Darkness