In the evenings since I get home a little earlier than my husband Travis I usually feed any animals we have up in the barn close to the house. The bull lots surround the barn and right now they are all I have to feed. 121C our yearling bull is one of my favorites to fiddle with. He has come a long way from when he was first weaned. He can be a little jumpy at times and does not like change. He doesn't like more than one person around him. Last night it was dark when I fed him and a friend wanted to take a look at him. I usually pour his feed and chit chat with him( more like sweet talk) and I sometimes give him a little scratch on the back if he isn't feeling too frisky. Last night he kind of scared me a little. I know you have to be careful around bulls and I am trust me but something about the darkness made me fearful. He was very nervous and on edge because a stranger was around and I lost trust in him because I couldn't see him move. The barn was dark and I didn't feel like I had a safe escape if I needed to run and Bo Duke slide under the boards of the stall. (I also couldn't tell what I might be stepping in since I had on flip flops) He gave me a little head shake warning not to pet him and I didn't and I left him to eat in peace. There is something about the shadows of night that causes us to lose faith. The darkness creeps in and it brings fear along to occupy our minds. When we no longer can see how God is moving, we lose trust in Him and feel like we are facing the battle alone. We forget that we are promised that He will always be there. When we allow our minds to think fearful thoughts, worry and anxiety drown out His calming whispers of hope. We can no longer hear Him speak because we are listening to the lies of the enemy.
Deuteronomy 31:6

6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

God, I know that dark times are a part of living in this world. I know You have gone before me and know what I am facing and will face in the future and it all has a purpose. Help me to remember You are not only with me but You are holding me close. I know that whatever I will face I can depend on Your strength to continue the fight and I do not have to be afraid. Help me Lord to dismiss the fearful thoughts and focus on what You are speaking to my heart. What a comfort in knowing that God, You are for me. I am Yours, Your child, Your treasure. When I can't hear You speak and You seem far away help me to trust even still.