Don't be afraid. It's just a monster truck.

So, my dearly beloved, just a quick note of encouragement for you tonight.

Yesterday, I was babysitting the precious two-and-a-half-year-old again. It’s amazing how adorable kids can be. We were sitting on the play mat, and she was playing with a toy monster truck. At the same time, her dog happened to see a person with their dog walking past the house and began barking – loudly. For quite a long time. And then – as my dog does – she began whimpering, wanting, of course, to go outside.

But the precious child thought her puppy was scared of the game she was playing with her monster truck, so she said these exact words in the cutest toddler voice: “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid. It’s just a monster truck.”

And something in me, well, first, melted because I mean…c’mon. A two-year-old trying to console her puppy by repeatedly saying it’s okay, don’t be afraid, it’s just a monster truck? That’s a melty moment.

But then something else in me heard Jesus whispering those words to me.

“It’s okay. Don’t be afraid. It’s just a monster truck.”

I know I’ve written about shadows and smoke before – so clearly there’s a theme going on here. But today, it’s a new way of thinking about it. Today, I learned what a monster truck really is. It’s a truck with big wheels that tries to look scary. I mean, it’s a big car but honestly – it’s a car. And it can rev its engine all it wants, but it’s still a car.

So. Maybe you’ve heard some “revved engines” this week. Or month. Or year. Maybe you feel like you’ve been in your car, and all you hear next to you is an engine trying to intimidate you. You hear all this bad news, you have these fears trying to keep you down -

I’m going to tell you the same words that had me almost in tears while listening to a two-year-old:

“It’s okay. Don’t be afraid. It’s just a monster truck.”

Now. I don't know your situation and I don't know what's going on. I don't want you to think that I'm belittling whatever you may be going through. But I do want you to know that Jesus knows, and He wants to help. So whatever is “revving” at you, let’s believe right now – let’s imagine right now that Jesus is right beside you, wherever you are, holding your hand and telling you:

“Everything is okay. I Am here, and I Am never letting you go. Don’t be concerned with the smoke and the mirrors, stay here in My love.”

And then you know what? Imagine Jesus hugging you. Right now. I’ll do that too.

And even if you don’t feel anything, just believe it. I’m constantly learning that while feelings can be good, they can deceive us sometimes. I heard the other day that I shouldn’t be afraid of my feelings, because feelings are only indicators of what I’m thinking.

So right now, let’s think this: Jesus loves you. He is up in heaven cheering you on and right beside you, encouraging you, breathing life into you, and smiling at you. Relax, my friend. Ignore the engines you hear outside your window.

So, dearly beloved, let us remember that it is always Jesus' great delight to love, hold, and cherish us.

Tonight, I hope that Jesus makes Himself and His love real to you.

You are deeply, deeply loved and so very valuable to The Heavenly Father.