There is a bedroom at the end of the narrow corridor located at the rear of the house. Looking out the doorway there is a clear sight line into the living room. The family is watching television in what seems to be a normal household. There are parents laughing along with their favorite show as some of the siblings play board games in the floor.
Jason being the youngest of the family is forced to bed early but not without pleading for a few more minutes with the rest of the family. Jason acts as if he is asleep trying to catch a glimpse of what’s on the screen or catch what the occasional laugh involves.
Finally as his little eyes are about to shut something startles him. He is unsure of what hides in the darkness. But as he tries to jump from the bed and sprint towards his family something holds him back. He tries to scream for help but no one can hear him. Why is his voice unheard? His face is tomato red and the veins in his neck are so distinct they could surely pop at any second. Tears are falling from his face that could pass for raindrops from a summer thunderstorm in South Alabama.
When things look like they could only spiral downward, there is a brief moment of peace that comes over Jason as he hears a familiar voice calling his name. Suddenly the voice gets louder and he feels a nudge on his chest.
He opens his eyes gasping for air to find his mother standing over him trying to awake him from his sleep and the torture of the visions that he had experienced.
Maybe this isn’t exactly how your nightmare is portrayed. Whatever the dream involves I’m sure it seems so authentic that you are fearful of falling asleep due to the magnitude of the illusions portrayed while your eyes were closed.
In 2016, Zach Williams released a song named “Fear is a Liar.” If you haven’t had the pleasure, I encourage you to give it a shot. Here are a few of the lyrics that stood out to me.
When he told you you’re not good enough
When he told you you’re not strong enough
To put up a good fight
When he told you you’re not worthy
When he told you you’re not loved
When he told you you’re not beautiful
That you’ll never be enough
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
When he told you were troubled
You’ll forever be alone
When he told you you should run away
You’ll never find a home
When he told you you were dirty
And you should be ashamed
When he told you you could be the one
That grace could never change
“Fear he is a liar”
Psalms 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The Lord is the comforting voice that awakes us out of the torment that fear brings upon us through the lies that take our breath away.