When terror strikes, our first inclination is fear. This is why God so often delivers a message to people that begins with “Fear Not!”
That sounds easy enough—just don’t fear. But that almost feels like a circular argument. Being told not to fear makes you think there is something you should fear which then causes you to fear.
There are plenty of reasons both locally and globally that might cause us to bend to that immediate inclination to fear. On Wednesday and Thursday (February 4 and 5) one of our local elementary schools (Madison Station) has received threats. So today, while we are still living through uncertainty, we realize that fear can cause panic in our heart. This uncertainty can feel like we are out of control and we begin to grab hold of everything we think we can control. The truth is we all experience fear at some point and there is no question, it can feel overwhelming. So, how can we live out the biblical truth that “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7)? How do we talk to our kids who are experiencing different levels of fear?
Let’s consider what Scripture tells us and use the acronym FEAR to help us remember what to do.
F - Faith, believe God is who He says He is
E - Experience the nearness of God through His Word
A - Ask God for help through prayer
R - Remember through song
I chose this word, FEAR, in hopes that we might redeem it for ourselves. So that when we think of fear, we no longer associate it with being scared, but with having Faith, Experiencing God, Asking for help, and Remembering God’s faithfulness. This may seem overly simplistic, but repeating these actions can make a distinct impact on our lives. God uses His Word through His Spirit to comfort and provide a peace “which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
Below is a list of Scriptures to commit to memory and pass along to your children when they are afraid. Help them see that even when we are afraid because of all the “what ifs,” God knows everything and therefore does not ever wonder “what if…” I have also listed songs to listen to in the car or have playing around the house during these seasons of uncertainty.
Verses:
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 46:1-11
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Isaiah 41:10
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Philippians 4:6-7
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 13:5-6
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
1 Peter 5:7
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Songs:
Good Plans - Red Rocks Worship
Sovereign Over Us - Aaron Keyes
Great is Thy Faithfulness - The Worship Initiative
It is Well With My Soul - Keith and Kristyn Getty
In Christ Alone - Shane and Shane
Oceans - Rend Collective
Way Maker - Michael W Smith
He Will Hold Me Fast - Shane and Shane
Close To You - Colonial Heights Worship
Tags: prayer, faith, scripture, hope, fear, peace, courage, comfort, surrender, confidence in christ, trust god, spiritual strength, god’s presence, remembering his faithfulness, calm in chaos
