I don't remember whether I was playing hooky from school or church, or if it was my being disobedient to my parents, but anyhow I was just hanging around Devon Street in Kearny, NJ, where the railroad tracks that ran through town. I do remember I was a bit nervous and scared because I knew I was some place I should not be.

It was someone's place of business next to the tracks and there were all sorts of things around that would grab the attention of a nine or ten-year-old boy, including the possibility of finding a snake.

Nevertheless, I was not supposed to be there. My parents had warned me about the dangers of trains and, of course, strangers who might be in the area.

On that day, with a gentle breeze blowing, it seemed like no one was around. So I continued to explore, but carefully listened. It was quiet, very quiet.

All of a sudden there was a scraping noise and I was greatly startled. Could it be some animal with rabies or a disease bearing rat? Was it the owner of the business or one of those strangers I was told to stay away from?

Looking around, I saw a leaf had blown across the top of a concrete platform. I had been frightened by a windblown leaf.

Over the years, that memory faded – until I committed to Christ in 1970. About a year or so later, I was reading in the Old Testament when I came across the following verse in Leviticus 26:36: “And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them;”

It was a warning from God to the Jewish people as to one of the many things that would happen if they chose to be continually disobedient to Him. When I came to that verse, I remembered that day when I was startled by a leaf while I was some place I should not have been.

Given the global economy and other factors, many people are gripped by many fears, and most times there is really nothing to worry about.

The problem is that they are in the wrong place. They are not part of the flock of Christ.

While horrific things happen to true Christians, as they might to anyone else, those that walk in Christ have the blessed assurance that their Good Shepherd will guide them each step of the way.

If you have not truly committed to Christ, hear the voice of the Good Shepherd calling you to His arms. For those who are part of the flock, enjoy the great comfort found in His words, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)