It is rare that I have time to sit and watch television. Sitting and watching a scary movie is yet even more scarce. (Ha Ha scary/scarce) Last night I didn’t feel super great so I wasn’t cleaning, writing, or reading. I found myself alone for a short time. My husband had been watching a zombie movie that I had half way paid attention to. When that movie finished he left to go pick up our daughters and the next movie that came on the television was Silence of the Lambs. Scary movies use to give me terrible nightmares twenty plus years ago so I simply tried to avoid them after learning my lesson the hard way. There are always silly spoofs and references to this movie so I let curiosity get the best of me and decided to watch. It was creepy and the end of the movie did have my heart rate up I must admit. As I went to bed I anticipated that it could be a sleepless night. To my surprise I woke up this morning well rested.

All day I have wondered what the change in me has been in regards to spooky cinema or in general the scary things that can happen in life. It seems there are always terrible evil stories reported by news media so my first thought was that I have been desensitized. To be desensitized I would think means that I no longer care and that is far from true. There are so many situations, evils, and injustices going on in our world right now that are a tremendous burden on my heart and remain in my prayers. So if I am not desensitized what is it then?

As the day continued “fear not” in the biblical context kept coming to mind. Now I cannot say that I am never fearful or get startled. It would be a lie to say I am never anxious. What I kept thinking is that in this life there is trouble, but I know who is ultimately in control. John 16:33 “”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” There is evil that surrounds us and it seems more so every day. The bible repeatedly quotes God and Jesus stating “Do not be afraid”. There is a continuous promise that He is there and always will be. He has proven Himself faithful time and time again throughout my life. Maybe I am at the point now that I know I am on the winning side no matter what. Sure I have so much more to learn about complete trust and faith. Apparently I am further along now than I was twenty years ago. Who knows what the next twenty years will bring, but what I do know is that God is with me.  I am not going to make it a habit of watching dark movies.  It may be another twenty years before I watch another one.  Garbage in garbage out so I try not to put too much in.

One reference from the movie that I found interesting was the line about coveting. The reference to one of the ten commandments was spot on. Evil actions start with evil thoughts. So even Hollywood really can’t avoid the fact that we sin. That the coveting thoughts we have can turn into dreadful actions if not kept in check. What Hollywood most often avoids is that the remedy for sin and evil is Jesus.

So never fear friends I am going to stop typing now and leave you with scripture that I hope assures you of where hope, peace, rest, and fearlessness comes from!!

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Psalms 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”