Psalm 23:4

President Theodore Roosevelt famously said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Sometimes we focus too much on the gentle and comforting shepherd image of God, forgetting that one of the primary jobs of a shepherd is defender, which he is prepared to do.
It is in the darkest and most terrifying places that we are keenly aware of any source of safety. As our fight-or-flight reaction kicks in, we pay attention to anything that offers protection. Perhaps this is the reason that God sometimes leads us through dark periods of life, so that we are reminded of the safety found in him. Your Heavenly Father has every intention of protecting you with his might, and that fact should bring you deep peace when you're scared.
Today let's thank God for protecting us. Let's take great comfort in knowing He is with us and He is Powerful. We thank Him for leading us through things that are intimidating, and promises to help us fight the enemy when the time comes.