A Fearless Spooky Season

Fall has always been my favorite time of the year. How can you not like it? Nothing beats fall foliage and fall activities - football, bonfires, hayrides, chili cook-off’s, fall retreats, and just generally not sweating from 100-degree heat. Fall is also home to one of the best holidays of the year- Halloween… Nothing beats hilarious Halloween costumes and being surrounded by good friends at a Halloween party. Halloween is also known by another name these days- “spooky season”. For most this is just rewatching hocus pocus or slasher classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street. Why not? Getting a little scared on purpose can be fun sometimes. But for some, spooky season can be a reminder of the fear that is present in their lives.

Whether you’re struggling with some occasional stage fright or fear has a crippling effect on your life at the moment, fear can make our lives difficult and rob us of the peace and freedom we have in Jesus.

1.     Lucky for us: Jesus is greater than the fear we’re facing today.   

John 16:33

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

2.     Not only is Jesus greater than our fears, but He deeply cares about us and He is with us in these difficult moments. In the comfort of Jesus’s presence, we can weather any storm.

Isaiah 43:1-3

43 But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in your stead.

3.     Lastly, be encouraged that we are called to be strong in the Lord. We are not victims! We are victorious in Christ!

Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [c]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

Challenge your fears today by exploring the following exercise.

-       Where do you find fear influencing your life? When is the first time you can remember feeling this way?

-       Invite Jesus into this painful or scary place and allow Him to provide truth and healing.

-       Imagine speaking to your younger self about this fear. With understanding and compassion, what would you tell them? Write a short letter offering reassurance and guidance.

COMMENT FEARLESS – If you believe Jesus has the power to defeat any fear in your life today!