Isn’t this a perfect title for a book? (A Calvin and Hobbes Collection by Bill Watterson) If you aren’t familiar with this Calvin and Hobbes cartoon, here’s a brief summary.
Calvin is a boy, Hobbes is a tiger and they are best friends. In this particular cartoon, Calvin asks if there are any monsters under his bed but nobody answers. He’s not convinced and tries to convince the possible monsters that he’s not good to eat. Then drool comes out from under the bed. He and Hobbes start tying the sheets together to go out the window. (It’s funnier in the cartoon!)
This is a super good cartoon because it’s not only funny but who couldn’t identify with it! Who hasn’t been afraid–and unfortunately, people with good imaginations are hit hard.
God says over and over in His Word, “Do not fear,” but he doesn’t say it like this–“Stop it right now, you stupid coward!” He says it like a father soothing a frightened child.
Think of Lucy in Voyage of the Dawn Treader, when they have found the island where dreams (bad dreams) come true. It’s dark and they can’t find a way out. She whispers, “Aslan, Aslan, if ever you loved us at all, send us help now.” A bird comes and guides them out, but before it does, it whispers to her, “Courage, dear heart.” (The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, pages 156-157)