Tigers in the Dark

One night at a circus that drew a packed audience of children and their parents, the tiger trainer came out to perform. After bowing to loud applause, he went into the cage. A hush drifted over the audience as the door was locked behind him.

Suddenly, as the trainer skillfully put the tigers through their paces, everyone heard a loud Pop! It was followed by a complete power failure. For several long minutes the trainer was locked in the dark with the tigers. Though he could not see them, he knew they could see him with their powerful night vision. A whip and a small kitchen chair seemed meager protection.

Finally, the lights came back on, and the trainer finished his performance. Later, in a TV interview, he admitted his first chilling fears. Then he realized that the tigers did not know he could not see them. “I just cracked my whip and talked to them,” he said, “until the lights came on.”

At some point in life everyone will confront the terror of “tigers in the dark.” The assurance we have is that with God’s help, our terrors never will be able to exploit their temporary advantage over us.

Psalms 46:1-2 – God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change, And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.

Psalms 56:2-4 – My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

Luke 1:74 – That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear

Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~~God’s Little Lessons for Teens