The Fear Factor
Scr47chy via Flickr
When I was growing up, there was a book series by R.L. Stine called “Goosebumps”. The books would tell scary stories geared toward pre-teens and children. I read nearly every book in that sixty-two book series, and would be terrified out of my mind with each one I read. I both loved and hated these books. I couldn’t wait to be freaked out, but at night I’d lie awake hoping there weren’t giant worms underground, or that if I tried on a mask it wouldn’t come off, or that lawn gnomes were evil (though I still wonder if they are…). I would just be laying there, crippled by these unrealistic fears. There was no way I was leaving the safety of my bed at night if I heard creeks or the wind howl. Fear made it so I was irrational, it affected my sleep, and dictated how I would act.
I’m amazed to see that fear still affects me in the same way. Though what I’m afraid of has changed, I still will become sleepless, irrational, or unreasonable over things that are out of my control. Everyone not named Jack Bauer is expected to fear at some point in time. What matters most is how we face those fears. When Christ was taking a stroll on the water, (Matt. 14:27), when he went down for quick nap in a boat during the storm (Matt. 8:26), Christ was trying to show his disciples ways that he can work in their lives, and they responded with fear. They became aberrant and instantly questioned Christ why he was still asleep while they paddled for their lives. (Matt. 8:27)
With Halloween coming up and after recently reading Fearless by Max Lucado, the topic of fear has been on my mind a lot lately. I thought I’d put the new comment system to the test and start a discussion on fear.
So, what fears do you have? How do you react? How should you react? What are some verses that come to mind when you think of fear? What verses come to mind when you’re afraid?
Related posts:
My recent post White Flag – Holier Than Thou
I used to read the Goosebumps series too. That was a great series of books! When I was around age 11 or 12 I used to read them right before I went to bed each night. (Brilliant …I know.) I think what I have been most afraid of through my life is just the thought of death itself. Don't get me wrong…I know when I die that I will go to Heaven with my Saviour, Jesus Christ, but the unknown scares me. I don't know how it will happen, when it will happen, or even IF it will happen. Christ could come back before that time comes but no body knows. I have gone through a lot of huge health problems through my life and have been seemingly close to death many times. God alone has brought me through each and every time. One of the scariest aspects of death to me is not only the thought of the possible pain or how it could happen but also, and maybe even more so, the thought of the sorrow that my family would go through. It is so tough to see others suffer. Two passages in God's Word that have most helped me and my family get through times of fear are Psalm 91 and Psalm 56:3. No matter what happens in life, no matter how scary things may get, GOD is in complete control. GOD IS GOOD!
Chris, I was thinking of the comment you wrote, about not knowing what it will be like when you die. This is true for us all. We do not know what we truly will experience at that moment. The encouraging thought is that Jesus does know what it is to die,for He did so on the cross: and of course resurrected. He will assist us when and if it is our time to die. He has been there done that. It is a lot better to ride along side of someone who has travel a certain route before and can speak peace to us in what lies ahead.
I appreciated your article on how congregational singing is the first impression one receives in how interested we are in the God that we sing about.
I'm surprised to see centipedes make the list of fears next to failure and demons. One of my big ones is "Worst Case Scenario". I get lost in the "What ifs" and the "Worst possible outcomes". We all have our own I guess.
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in Him" plays in my head over and over when I'm freaked. Phil. 4:8 is a good one too!
you should see our centipedes.