In the fall, during the Halloween season, one of my favorite things to do is going to haunted hayrides, trails, or houses. I find it so fun to have that little bit of scare and to see the creativity in what people do. My exchange students have also found this to be a lasting memory of their time in the United States.

When we think about Halloween and all of the scary things associated with it; some imaginary and some real, it is interesting to think about our fascination with fear. It is something that people either love to think about and experience or they will not have anything to do with it, even if it is simulated and not real.

Fear is a very real part of our lives though. The fear of failure, rejection, loneliness, what ifs, … You can fill in the blank, there are so many very real things that we fear. Sometimes to the point that we start to live our lives out of our fear.

Did you know that in the Bible there are about 365 verses in which it says “fear not” or “do not be afraid”. Think about the angel that came to Mary in the middle of the night, that would be a very scary experience for anyone, but the Angel told her, do not be afraid. Or maybe the time when the disciples fell asleep in the boat while Jesus was praying. They woke up in the middle of the storm and saw Jesus walking on water, thinking that he was a ghost… Jesus called out to them do not be afraid.

I think that not being afraid, may be easier said than done, but there are all of these scriptures that remind us to not be afraid, that we can turn to in times of fear to find comfort. My favorite comes from Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)

As we come upon Halloween (and Reformation Day) this Sunday, what is it that you are finding yourself afraid of in this season? What do you do in times of fear to remind yourself to not be afraid? And which one of the 365 do not be afraid or fear not verses do you find yourself drawn to when you are afraid? Leave a comment below with some of your answers!

 

 

Prayer:

God, we give you thanks for the beauty of the fall and all that you have blessed us with in this season. Remind us in our time of fear that you are with us and that we do not need to be afraid. Be with us in those times bringing us comfort and hope and help us to remember your Word as a source of our strength. In your name we pray. Amen.