Children and Overcoming Fear

Deuteronomy 3:18-29         1/21/2018

Moses reminded the Reubenites, Gadites and Manassites about their commitment to cross the Jordan. They promised to help secure the Promised Land before returning to their families and homes east of the Jordan. Moses also recounted God’s faithfulness and admonished the Israelites not to fear battle after they crossed because God would do the fighting for them. Moses reflected how God forbid him to enter the land.

Fear and Uncertainty

When a parent tells a child, “Don’t be afraid”, the parent doesn’t mean there is something wrong with the fear feelings. The parent means, “look past the fear feelings; you are going to be all right.”

When I’m uncertain of what I’m doing, I sometimes get the feeling that “something bad could happen”. The sense of fear – of being afraid – is a bodily reaction that corresponds to this possibility.

Moses reassured the children of Israel. He wanted them to know that despite the uncertainty of battle, God was with them; they couldn’t lose with God on their side.

It’s funny; a parent’s encouragements don’t eliminate the fear feelings. But they do allow the child, who trusts their parent’s counsel, to work through their fears and overcome them.

Do Not Be Afraid

I am called for one thing – to love. That is the Promised Land. It is the essence of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Love God and love your neighbor.

Easily said. It rolls off the tongue much like, “Take possession of the land I have given you.”

But we all know there are giants.

I know that if love looks like Jesus – and the way He lived His life on earth – that I’m going to be afraid. I’m the child who wants to believe all of this is possible but…

“He touched me with his right hand and said, ‘Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last,” Rev 1:17