There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.—1 John 4:18–19 (NIV)

The last few months, I’ve been waking up at 3:00 a.m., wide awake. I mull over unfinished work, college tuition bills, and mistakes I’ve made that day or over my lifetime. Then I worry about my boys. How is Addie really doing? At fifteen, he likes to keep his thoughts to himself. Do Jack and Will have everything they need at college? My wondering jumps to catastrophe thinking. They haven’t texted in a while. What if something happened to them? These early-morning thoughts have a way of spiraling into worry and fear. 

I’ve started combating these anxiety-producing thoughts with words of truth. I let myself be lulled back to sleep by remembering the themes of hope-filled sermons, reciting the truth of scripture, and singing lyrics of worship songs in my mind. The enemy of my soul would like me to feel alone and afraid, apprehensive about life, but I invite the love of Jesus to surround me. In Him I am completely loved and made perfect in His love. He is my Protector and Provider. In Jesus’s presence, I have no fear. None. 

And with those calming thoughts, I can sleep soundly.