Monday, February 1, 2016

THE BOGEYMAN


Big girl confession.

I am a scaredy-cat.

And I am very afraid of the dark.

Which isn't a good thing when you live on the top of a mountain, with only one neighbor in sight (who only occasionally visits), no streetlights, multiple windows, and minimal window coverings.

I feel like I am on view for every scary creature out there.

And I really don't like driving home in the dark.

The last leg to our house is a steep switchback, a skinny ribbon of a road that requires one to slow to a snail's pace to negotiate it.

At nighttime, this means one lonely set of headlights illuminating shadowy trees and clawing branches, ogre-shaped boulders, darkened ravines where trolls lurk…

And heaven help me if it's windy!


I have always been afraid of the dark.

I think it must be something innate to the human creature.  I think we're born with an uneasy wariness of the darkness.  After all, we can't see as well, and therefore we're most vulnerable.

However, if something happens to you when you're a child, that fear can really escalate and take hold.

Like it did for me.

I vividly remember one night when we were visiting my grandparents' house. I was very young.  Young enough that my mom put me to bed in the other room while they stayed up visiting.

I fell asleep, yes.

But at some point, I awoke – and discovered, to my terror, that someone or some *thing* had a tight grip on my hand!

Now I knew that the Bogeyman lived either in a closet or under a bed.  So I knew it was HIM that had hold of me!!

Even though I was scared out of my wits, I still had some wits about me.

So I started reasoning out what to do.

If I yelled for my father, the Bogeyman would pull me quickly under the bed and take me to the unknown void where he takes little children.

If I stayed still and quiet, he'd still end up pulling me quickly under the bed and taking me to the unknown void where he takes little children.

I finally decided that if I yelled for my father, the Bogeyman might be startled just long enough for my dad to arrive and rescue me.

I started screaming…

"Dad, help me, help me!!"

He stormed into the room, and I started sobbing.

"What's wrong???"

Blubbering, I tried to tell him about how the Bogeyman was tightly gripping my hand, and how he was momentarily going to pull me under the bed and take me to the unknown void where he takes little children.

My father started laughing.

Dad was not a cruel man, but I just could NOT figure out what was so funny about being kidnapped.

"Dad, why are you laughing?"

"Look at your hand," he chuckled.

Oh, I was terrified to do that.  What horribly gnarled, wart-encrusted, talon-curled, slimy green hand was I going to see?

Finally, I took one peekonly to find my hand firmly in the grasp of my other one.

What?!?!

Well, it seems that one arm had fallen asleep, and dead to the world, it had become the gripping and grasping claw of the *Bogeyman*…

OK, amusing, but this incident only cemented my terror of the dark.

Fortunately, I did not have parents who used the Bogeyman as a threat to ensure good behavior.

But I did have a brother who delighted in jumping out at me from dark doorways, or from behind couches, or out of closets.

My fear of the dark and sudden surprises took root.

I still sorta launch myself into bed from a couple of feet out…

And "The Hub" has been know to accidentally startle me into a terror-stricken shout from time to time.

He always asks me, "Who did you expect?"

Well, the Bogeyman…


Interesting background on the Bogeyman:

"The word bogey is believed to be derived from the Middle English bogge/bugge (hobgoblin).  Bogeyman (also, sometimes, incorrectly, spelled bogieman, boogeyman, or boogie man) is a common allusion to a mythical creature in many cultures used by adults or older children to frighten children into good behavior. This monster has no specific appearance, and conceptions about it can vary drastically from household to household within the same community; in many cases, he has no set appearance in the mind of an adult or child, but is simply a non-specific embodiment of terror. Parents may tell their children that if they misbehave, the bogeyman will get them…In some cases, the bogeyman is a nickname for the devil." 
(From Wikipedia)

It seems like every culture has some sort of myth or legend about the Bogeyman.

But what I found most interesting is that he can represent Satan.

When you think about it, our fear of the dark probably has its roots in our fear of the devil and his minions.  And though the Bogeyman is a fictional character, the enemy of our souls is very real.

And he has a missionto steal, kill, and destroy.  (John 10:10, ESV)

Described as evil, a thief, the father of lies, a murderer, he is scary.

But, I have discovered a couple of things about him.


One, he cannot read my mind.

This means that my thought life is private.

It cannot be invaded physically or spiritually by the enemy.

Yes, just as we can sense the mood of another person and try to influence it, he can be the parrot that sits on my shoulder, squawking his lies and venom into my ear.

Or he can be the slippery serpent that whispers temptations and doubts.

He can attempt to inflame my thoughts, influence my thoughts, encourage my thoughts, twist my thoughts – but he cannot get in there and hear them.

I like that.

For one thing, this means that when I talk with the Lord in my heart, the enemy is NOT privy to the conversation.

He will not hear me pour out my heart, nor listen to me recount my troubles and worries.  He will not hear me when I feel angry or disappointed in God. He will never hear my doubts.

Therefore, what tremendous courage I can take in being totally honest with the Lord!

I don't know if any of you remember the comedy series, "Get Smart."  If you do, then you'll remember the *cone of silence.*  A rather bulky and cumbersome plastic dome that never, ever worked.

But, God surrounds our minds with His protection.

So what we say in our innermost thoughts, and what we feel in our innermost emotions, is safe with Him.

He alone is omniscient, He alone knows the heart.

He alone knows you.


The second thing that I've learned about the enemy is that he cannot read my mind.

I'm not being redundant here.

This is what I mean.

If the devil cannot read my mind – (he cannot) – then he also doesn't hear my words when I try to battle him in my thoughts.

I can say "Get thee behind me, Satan" all I want in my head, and it might serve to shore up my defenses, but there is only one way to be offensive…

Say it out loud.

Yes, say it so he can hear it.

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He used Scripture as His sword.

But He didn't just quote it in his head.

Nope.

If you look closely at the story in Matthew 4, you'll notice something…

Jesus SPOKE Scripture!

And he ended with this:

"Then Jesus said to him, 'Go away, Satan!'" (Matthew 1:10, AMP)


"The Hub" has a funny story about a guy he used to know at work.  This guy was really frustrated with someone, and was telling my husband all the ugly things he said to that person.

"The Hub," finding it hard to believe that this guy got away with all the trash talk, asked him, "You said that?"

The guy kinda smiled and replied, "Yeah…on the inside."

Friends, we cannot afford to fight our enemy just "on the inside."

So if you want to fight well against a most-feared, but not so fearsome, enemy – talk back to him...

OUT. LOUD.

After all, he can't read your mind.


Yeah, I'm still afraid of the dark.

I still love flashlights, and night lights in every room.

I still check closets and under the bed from time to time.

But truly, the Bogeyman is just a figment of an overactive imagination, a myth, a legend.

And though our enemy is real, he is also rather insubstantial.

So if you ever find yourself tightly in his grip, take a good, long look at your hands.

Chances are, something's *fallen asleep* and you're only gripped by your own fear.

Your Father is right there.

And there is no one or no thing "under the bed" ready to snatch you away.


You are safe in His hands alone…





Jesus speaks...

I am
the light of the world.
Whoever follows Me
will never
walk in darkness,
but will have
the Light of life.




***REMEMBER to check out DAILY GRATEFUL THOUGHTS here***
  
(Updated DAILY GRATEFUL WORDS, A WORD FROM THE WORD, A "MESSAGE" FROM GOD, and FOOD FOR THOUGHT can be found on the sidebar.  Thank you!)




"O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.  You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.  You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.  You know everything I do.  You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD." (Psalm 139:1-4, NLT)

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." 
(Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

"Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]." (1 Peter 5:7, AMP)

"Then you will walk on your way [of life] securely and your foot will not stumble.  When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." (Proverbs 3:23-24, AMP)

"'The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great light, and those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light dawned.'" (Matthew 4:16, NASB)

"'I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12, NIV)

"Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4, AMP)

"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:28, ESV)

"'...I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.'" (Matthew 16:18, NLT)

"Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you." 
(James 4:7, AMP)

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes…Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:11, 13, NIV)

"For the word of God is alive and powerful.  It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword..." (Hebrews 4:12, NLT)

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, AMP)



What is the *Bogeyman* in your life?  What are you afraid of?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, BLOGGERS SPOTLIGHT, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, WEEKEND WHISPERS, GIVE ME GRACE, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, LIVING PROVERBS, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

39 comments:

  1. Is there such a thing as a Pulitzer for devotionals? Because if there is is, you just won it. This is both convicting and instructive. (Because let's face it: Sometimes, you can be convicted, but not really given the tools and instructions as concretely as in this post. ) Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sharon, I don't really consider myself scary but just your description of you way home gives me eerie feelings. Like the practical truths you pack this one with as usual. Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't think I would enjoy driving home either on that road! Bad enough here with no street lights but we don't have the windy roads you guys have.

    I do admit I am not one that enjoys being home at night alone; good to know I'm not alone in having a bit of fear of the dark.

    So true to quote scripture out loud and to tell the enemy to go away from us. I remember going through a particularly bad time when we first moved back to Southern California and coming home one time after walking Koda and just saying in the house we were living in for Satan to leave us alone and that we belonged to God. Feels freeing to know God is always on our side and always there for us.

    betty

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Sharon! I'm a bit afraid of the dark myself. Especially in a place I don't know.
    LOVED your reference to the 'cone of silence'! I think Get Smart was one of the most favorite TV shows around our house. And what a great application to the spiritual life.
    Speak it 'out loud'. That's great advice. Steven Curtis Chapman has a song called 'Live Out Loud' and I think your post would fit in nicely with his theme. Don't keep anything in! Let your spirit and faith translate to everything you say and do. That way, there will be no fear!
    Happy Monday my friend,
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
  5. You have a gift for weaving what we can all relate to into helpful spiritual truth!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Suspense and intrigue ... spiritual significance and application, word study digs, just so much all wrapped up into this one, Sharon. WOW! ... First off, I'm with ya' about not liking to drive in the dark and I pray for your continual safety on that winding road home. Secondly, so much good advice and insight about our enemy ... not so much the bogeyman for me ... as the real one. Lastly for now, from your Grateful Page (I think you mean the 31st for the last SONday, not the 17th) ... I am INSPIRED and looking forward to next week's post ... love all your thoughts that you share on insurance, inspiration, inconvenience, anticipation, heaven, seasons and rain. Wondering if the devil can read (lol)? I appreciate your wise words of what to say Out Loud or not cuz I was not sure of these. Thanks Sharon for breaking and writing about fears and darkness as you vulnerably share experiences in your life (as a child and more) don't like that anyone (brothers esp.) scare us or startle us ... you must leap in and launch out of bed, which is something I have to do ever so slowly and assuredly at the moment, I often rise to quickly.

    Bless you my dear sister in Christ, more Light, prayers, and much love & hugs from me (still)~Peggy

    ReplyDelete
  7. I had to smile at your story today and the fact that it was your own hand grabbing the other hand. Robert prefers that I NOT drive after dark, and our roads are not as narrow and curved as yours. I can remember times in childhood being afraid of the dark and even as a teen - - jumping quickly into bed so no one under the bed would grab my foot. I am glad you instructed us to speak when we go to war against the devil. He certainly is NOT a mind reader and we fight him with our words. Using the Word of God as a weapon is a good way to go. Thank you for your delightful story here, at Tell me a Story.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yep, I've had to rebuke the enemy out loud a few times.
    I wonder how hard it would be if we had to live like they did back in the day before electric lights..Even the little night lights that we have around the house would be gone!(and I have many)
    We live in a very dark and remote place too, No street lights or neighbors close by...In fact, if our yard light ever goes out you literally cannot see your hand in front of your face!
    Just like with the goodness of our Lord shining through the darkness of a sinful world...at night, when there are no lights...the stars in the sky are so much brighter and more beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Had to come back and tell you a funny story that I just remembered...One of our friends told my husband about how his wife woke up screaming one night because she got freaked out by her own hand hanging up over her head while she slept! It sounds a lot like your experience...lol!

      Delete
  9. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who dislikes driving in the dark. As I get older, it's harder to see. I too have to wind through narrow switchbacks on the hill outside of my town. I know how you feel. Leave it to the devil to try to scare us especially at night. Recently Tom was gone for a nigh and although it was peacefully quiet, I wondered why I heard sounds in the house I never heard before. I think I'm most afraid of rejection and failure and I sandbag those areas heavily with scripture.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sharon, I loved this! I have always been a scaredy cat, too - AND afraid of the dark as a child. What a comfort to know that our enemy cannot read our minds. But I often wonder, can he read my prayer journal (I think not)? Thank you for this wonderful post. Joining you today from #RaRaLinkup

    ReplyDelete
  11. oh my goodness, Sharon, I always love your posts, but this one had my in stitches. First, I was so curious to know about who was holding your hand, and when I read that it was your other hand? Well, what a hoot! But that has significance too, don't you think? Because sometimes we create our own fear, then blame the devil when we only have to release what we're grasping so tightly to and raise both hands to heaven. Great words of wisdom, about realizing that the devil cannot read our minds! To speak forth Truth dispels the darkness...and I'm surprised to hear that you live in such a desolate area when you're such a scaredy-cat! Must be beautiful, though when the sun is shining brightly!

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a great story, Sharon! And a wonderful reminder that all we have to do is call on the name of Jesus.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I would have to say that for the most part, I am not a scaredy-cat. I have pretty much always been pretty brave (except for roller coasters) and I'm not really afraid of the dark and for many years (and still do) stay alone at night due to my hubby's work schedule. But I can still relate. The things that scare me most are usually things that have nothing to do with darkness. The things I am talking about are things like the fear of not measuring up, not being liked, the fear of being ridiculed...those kinds of things. It's still fear, any way you slice it and it is still satan whispering those doubts in my ear. He'll get to us through any weakness we have. I don't think I ever really thought about satan not being able to hear my private thoughts...that REALLY speaks peace to me! When I think about it though, it's like DUH...do I have satan living in my heart or Jesus??? Of course satan can't hear my thoughts!!!

    Thank you Sharon...you're awesome :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh...and another thing I learned from your post is the correct way to spell bogeyman :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sharon, I had a terrible dream last night, and your words here have hit the spot on the right day. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, Sharon! I think I have a new favorite post of yours! This was just wonderful. I read it aloud to Zach, and he LOVED it. This is so powerful and so true. Every word of it. We both needed the encouragement today, and I am so thankful you are so faithful to write about what God brings you through and places upon your heart. Sending you big hugs, gratitude, and lots of love!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow. Excellent advice to speak the powerful words given to us by our Father defend us from the enemy. God's Word is power. He is the Word. Wonderful advice, Sharon.

    It might not be the dark, but all of us have fear because we live in a fallen world where there is real danger. Good point too about the enemy wanting to destroy us. Brings Peter to mind when Christ told him satan wanted to sift him like flour.

    Thanks for the lesson and reminder, Sharon.

    "The Cone of Silence"? You really went there, huh... !!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great reminder to speak aloud against Satan! Just recently I heard wise words about fear: When fear increases, trust decreases. When trust increases, fear decreases. May we remember to know we can trust our Father in every situation.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm sure a scaredy-cat, too, Sharon. And yes, afraid of the dark! ha. Isn't it amazing how turning on a light can really change the atmosphere of a place? So thankful Jesus is our Light that we can keep on!

    My husband knows never to jump out and try to scare me because I'd probably have a heart attack. Not fun to me to be scared! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Okay, I have to tell you that this past week's study in Revelation was much on Satan and our teacher leader stated how we need to speak truth OUT LOUD when He is attacking. I love how your post just followed along with my study. God's just awesome like that. Thanks for your kind comment on my post. And I prayed for you too when I read it. Much love to you. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Sharon, great post and I love how you fill out everything with your own experiences. It makes it so real because a lot of what you experience, we experience in other ways. Thank you for the encouragement
    God bless
    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a wonderful reminder and practical exhortation. I've battled fear the majority of my life in different ways and different arenas. By His grace, I've won some battles and will continue to fight because I know He's good. Thanks for the encouragement once again, Sharon.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Yes we need to know that God can help us walk through fear. Following you from Essential Devotions.
    Blessings,
    Janis

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am not terribly fond of the dark either. And I live in Alaska where it is pretty stinking dark! You better believe lights are constantly on in this house. For the record, I do believe in the bogeyman too. For real!

    Thank you for sharing with us at Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

    Olivia- Co-hostess
    Reinvented Collection

    ReplyDelete
  25. I have to work long and hard on my fear too, Sharon. I have to constantly remind myself about God's power. Sometimes I allow my imagination and weakness get the better of me. But God's always been faithful to me.

    Keep the faith!

    ReplyDelete
  26. As always, great post!

    Just last night as I quickly pulled my feet up into bed, envisioning something grasping my legs, I wondered, "Am I the only 50 something lady out there who does this??" lol.

    I loved your analogies and your insights, and I especially liked when you said,

    "And though our enemy is real, he is also rather insubstantial.

    So if you ever find yourself tightly in his grip, take a good, long look at your hands.

    Chances are, something's *fallen asleep* and you're only gripped by your own fear.

    Your Father is right there.

    Thanks for this very encouraging post.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thankful that we have a Father who watches over us.

    ReplyDelete
  28. i can so identify with the fear of the dark as a kid:( i don't live in the country...we usually haven't, so haven't had to test my fear of the dark as an adult:) today, i'm your next door neighbor at givemegrace:)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Good, thought-provoking post. I also found it interesting that the bogeyman represents satan...
    You made some great points on prayer - satan can't hear our thoughts or read our minds. You mentioned Jesus praying out loud in the wilderness...one other thing I noticed about that passage was that when satan left, he left until the next opportune time. That tells me to be aware of the opportune times I give...

    ReplyDelete
  30. So so so good! Thank you for writing and sharing this!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Lovely!

    I get jumpy in the dark too.

    We need this reminder that we are strong with Jesus and the scripture as our sword to fend off fear!

    Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).

    Wishing you a lovely day.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  32. I am not a big fan of the dark either. Thank you for sharing the history of this creature and also ways to fight against the darkness. Glad to see you link up with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week. Happy Valentine's Day :)

    ReplyDelete

"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)