Dancing with My Daddy

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For Yahweh, the Lord, is my strength and song; He has also become my salvation. Therefore, with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." - Isaiah 12:2-3 NKJV

"Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things ..." Isaiah 12:5 NKJV

When I was a little girl, my favorite activity right before bedtime was dancing with my daddy. I would place my feet atop his and hold on to his arms for balance while we waltzed clumsily across the living room. Every step my daddy took, I took also as he carried my small feet with his. I never felt so secure as when I allowed my daddy to direct my steps. I knew he wouldn't let me stumble or misstep. I trusted him completely.

There have been many times in my life when I was faced with a decision or a soul-wrenching crisis. I didn't know what to do or where to go. Turmoil filled my thoughts.

Watching my son struggle through his daily battle with cancer has left me feeling helpless and overwhelmed, and, at times, alone. Walking the frightening valley of cancer, whether as a patient or a caregiver, fear can intimidate and paralyze. I have no control over the spread or remission of this disease, just as I have no control over the direction the wind blows. But I do have a choice. I can choose to succumb to the stranglehold of fear, or I can lift my arms toward heaven and grip the hand of my Father, for He is the One who does have control over the wind and over this disease.

Isaiah 12:2 states, "I will trust and not be afraid." This is a free-will decision based on rock-solid reasoning: "For Yahweh, the Lord, is my strength and song." If I am resting my eternal soul's salvation on Him, surely I can trust Him with my current circumstances. For God, the omnipotent One, has dominion over every breath I take; He guides my every footstep -- and He loves me. Therefore, not only can I trust without fear, I can do so with joyful expectation, because the Lord has already done excellent things in my life.

When the trials come, I don't have to be caught up in the crisis. I don't have to allow fear to suffocate me. I can choose to rest my feet on my Father's, cling to His arms for balance and let Him lead while we waltz.