And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exodus 25:8

Some years ago, 2005 to be exact, we had just recently moved to Florida for Ken’s work. Our home was in a rural area near a small lake and the back adjoined a large ranch owned by our landlord. The yards around ours were spacious and the population was a diverse mix of people. A long road leading to our home was my choice for daily walking as there was an old orange grove at the other end and I loved being near the orange blossoms that spring. I don’t think anything smells sweeter than a grove of orange blossoms.

On one particular day, I was about as far away from my house as my walk could take me when a very large dog approached from behind. He was a handsome reddish-brown boxer who stood more than half as tall as myself. His mouth was just about where my hand fell and he took that hand in his mouth. I cannot express the fear I felt. Large dogs have always frightened me and yet, or maybe because of that, they are attracted to me. Unfortunately, I freeze which only worsens the situation.  

I walked resolutely forward not making eye contact with my escort alongside me, holding my hand but never clamping down on it. We approached an intersection in the road where I hoped someone might come by. And, in fact, a car did approach and I frantically waved for the driver to stop. I told him my plight and asked him for a ride to my house. Bear in mind, this was a perfect stranger, whose car I would have never entered under normal circumstances. But this was no ordinary situation in my mind. The man seemed to believe I was overreacting and clearly believed the dog was no danger to me. However, it was still a long way down that road to my home and I really did not want to make that walk with my new “friend” holding my hand.

The driver reluctantly agreed to give me a ride and I scrambled into the car, against all my better judgment. And I never walked that road alone again. I missed the tantalizing scent of orange blossoms but I did not want another encounter with that animal, beautiful or not.

I know that many of you would think me completely irrational. After all, it was a handsome animal who showed no aggression toward me, but my fear paralyzed me. I’m surprised I was able to walk as far as I did in relative calm, but I assure you when help was within my grasp, I lunged for it.

Fear can either paralyze or motivate us. Fear for ourselves will often result in the former while fear for someone we love is a very great motivator.

Maybe you’ve never experienced great fear or maybe you live with it on a regular basis but one thing I know for sure, if fear is your companion, you need another companion to walk alongside you.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

I cannot honestly say that God was my first thought that day. My fear was so paralyzing I likely only considered what I could do to help myself. I thought I needed to feel the sanctuary of my home when what I really needed was the one true sanctuary available to me. If you find yourself grappling with fear, lean into His loving arms and rest in the sanctuary of His mercy.