The Nightmare Is Over . . . I’m Here – November 9, 2026
Read: Isaiah 52:1-6
Wake, awake! Clothe yourself with strength, O Zion. So on that day they will know that I am the one—the one who is saying, “Here I am!” Isaiah 52:1,6 (EHV)
The Nightmare Is Over . . . I’m Here
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Aurora’s mother went running into her daughter’s room. She had heard Aurora crying and moving around in her bed. Aurora’s eyes were closed, and her mother knew she was having a nightmare. Her mother gently shook Aurora’s shoulder and said softly, “Aurora, wake up. Aurora, you’re having a dream. Wake up, dear.” Aurora woke up suddenly, and she was so filled with fear she hugged her mother tightly. “It’s ok, my dear. The nightmare is over. There’s nothing to fear anymore. I’m here. You’re going to be fine.”
Nightmares are no fun. Just ask the Israelites in Isaiah’s time. Because they turned their backs on the Lord, they would have to face a tough punishment: They would be taken away to another country and live under a different kingdom. They would lose their freedom as a nation, and they would be embarrassed in front of the whole world. And the worst part about it? It was their own fault. They had let themselves get spiritually drowsy and tired until their faith fell asleep. So, they were in a nightmare of their own making.
We can find ourselves in a nightmare of our own making too. We can become spiritually drowsy and tired when we ignore our conscience again and again. Our faith can get “sleepy” when we’re not in God’s Word regularly. That’s when we can find ourselves trapped by our sins, filled with great fear over God’s judgment, and embarrassed because it’s like a nightmare of our own making.
But God comes to us just as he came to Israel, and he says, “Wake, awake! Clothe yourself with strength” (Isaiah 52:1). God shakes us awake from our nightmare as he did for Israel, and he comforts us with his presence: “I am the one—the one who is saying, ‘Here I am!’” (Isaiah 52:6). The God who created us and loves us also tells us that he is here to save us. The nightmare is over. There’s nothing to fear anymore. Why is that? Because Jesus has taken our embarrassment. Every sinful moment when we were spiritually drowsy and tired, Jesus took that upon himself. Jesus took the nightmare of our making so that we could be awake and safe in God’s arms.
So do not be afraid. Thanks to Jesus, the nightmare is over. Through Jesus you can cling tightly to God, and he himself assures us, “I’m here. You’re going to be fine.”
Prayer:
God Almighty, you show your power over all things, even my sleepy sins. Continue to be with me each day, and when I’m afraid always assure me of my forgiveness through Jesus. In him I pray. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What are some things you’re afraid of?
- Who will always be with you? Why?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- For what reasons might we doubt God’s presence in our lives?
- What is the ultimate proof that Jesus loves you and is with you?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What parts of your everyday life can make you spiritually drowsy?
- Think of one word to describe the feeling you get knowing that Jesus has taken away your embarrassment.
