“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong, they are weak but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.”
I remember as a child, there were times I would wake up in the middle of the night, scared, fearful, because of a bad dream. It was hard going back to sleep after dreaming that a big monster was chasing me. I would toss and turn, asking God to catch that big monster and throw him far, far away so he would not bother me again, so I could sleep through the night. Every time I felt afraid, I would sing “Jesus loves me, this I know.” I would sing it over and over, until I eventually fell asleep.
Singing this song always brought me peace. I knew that whenever that imaginary big monster would come to bother me, Jesus, who loved me, was stronger and bigger, and I felt safe knowing that I belonged to him and no monster, no matter how big and scary, could harm me. Even now, at times, when I am anxious or afraid, I sing this song and it gives me the assurance that everything is going to be okay, because I know, Jesus loves me!
Last night, I woke up to the cries of my son Jose. I ran to his room and asked him what was happening. Half asleep, he started talking to me about flying mushrooms and turtles that were chasing him. He was afraid they were going to catch him. All he kept saying was “Mama, they are going to get me, they are going to get me”. I realized he was having a bad dream and was taken back to my childhood days. I assured him that everything would be ok and began to sing “Jesus loves me this I know”. When I finished the song, he requested that I sing it again… and again. I sang until he peacefully dozed off, affirming once more that singing to Jesus when you are afraid and during times of distress, brings peace and helps to overcome fear.
Is there something that you’re afraid of? Are you anxious about tomorrow? Is there a “monster,” something that is keeping you far from your lifetime dreams and aspirations? Is there someone who is hurting you? Do you have fears that won’t let you sleep? Remember, Jesus loves you! He does not want you to be afraid or anxious. He has promised that he will be with you always and will give you the strength and courage to face any “monster” that may come your way.
God promises to hold your hand through any of life’s circumstances. He says “Do not fear, I am with you.” He was with David when facing Goliath; with the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace; with Daniel in the lions’ den; with Esther when she had to go before the King; with Mary, a virgin who was chosen to carry the Son of God; with the disciples on the boat in the midst of a storm. And He is with you today.
Next time flying mushrooms, turtles or monster’s of life chase after you and you don’t know what to do or say, remember that you are not alone, and don’t forget to sing, “Yes Jesus loves me…”
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13, NIV).
Prayer: Lord, You know my fears and anxieties. Please help me to trust in you. I know you will rescue and deliver me from any “monster” that may be in my life. Thank you for loving me. I love you, too. Amen.
-Joanne Cortes
