Fear

Old Man Fear came calling today. Unfortunately, the caretaker had been negligent.
Sleeping at his post, he had failed to say, “Go away. You are not allowed here.”
So Fear went straight up the pathway, and boldly knocked on the door of my heart.
I had forgotten his deceitful ways, and so he pounced upon the threshold.
I opened the door, just a crack. He did not lack for convincing tactics.
His cunning words assured me that he had come to provide a great service.
He could help me be aware of all the possibilities that I might soon face.

But horrors! I had heard those familiar words before.
I must find a way to shut the door, lest he come inside to stay.

Then I heard another voice:
The Spirit, my welcome Companion, gently reminding me of the shield against the wall.
“Pick it up,” He said. “It does no good to keep it relatively close.
“Take it. You need not fall prey to the enemy’s arrows.
Doubt and fear will be deflected by this sturdy weapon.”
And then I reflected on the many times I had proved it so.

I boldly held it up – this shield of faith, and said to Fear, “Now go away.
“There is no room for you in a house of light, where hope keeps all things bright.”
And so the old man turned on his heel. His chanting message had no appeal,
And his poisoned darts could not penetrate a shield so strong.

I hope he is weary of knocking here, and goes away for good.
But Caretaker, be on guard! This enemy is known for his persistence.
I’ll be listening for your warning.
If he comes again in the morning, he will find this shield firmly in my grasp;
And faith will prevail! How can it fail, when it is engineered by the Perfect One?