| Boo! - article by Joel Hempel
When I was a kid, I loved Halloween. When our boys were young, I still loved Halloween. But not so much these days. Maybe it’s because I am getting old, or maybe it’s because there is too much truly scary stuff around – from extreme gun violence and domestic terrorism to appalling wars, to attacks on institutions that were once respected, to Biblical values being cast to the wind, to Mother Nature binging on anger. Then there are the personal fears and anxieties. As someone privileged to have walked with people in pastoral counseling, I know how debilitating fear and anxiety can be. I have fought my own battles with anxiety over the years. Through my studies and working on myself, I’ve learned we are more than the anxiety or fear that invades our lives. Yes, it is real. Yes, it demands our attention. But we do not have to let it control us. We can greet these harsh feelings as guests who come by for a visit but are not invited to stay. More formidable than any anxiety is Christ, who lives in us (Galatians 2:20). The strength we have in Jesus is greater than any destructive or overwhelming feeling or emotion that threatens to suck the life out of us. Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8). The above passage is powerful counsel. When anxiety, fear, or any threat that enters our mind makes an appearance, we acknowledge its existence but do not dwell on it. Instead, we think about those things that give life, hope, and a future with purpose. Christ says: Come to me . . . and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Three things and three things only helped me and maybe will help you or someone you know: - Replace the panicky thinking with prayer and quoting to yourself (or looking up) reassuring Bible passages like the ones below.* Remember, pray, and repeatedly claim the truth in God’s Word – which is primarily how God answers prayer.
- Hymns of reassurance and hope are valuable resources. A hymnal or other Christian songbook is worth the investment if you don’t have one at home.
- A trusted friend, pastor, deacon, or counselor – someone who knows how to listen deeply. Get the fears out from inside of you. Let someone look at them with you. It is important to know you are not alone in your struggle. And when you need it, be served well by medication from a medical professional.
What are you afraid of? What is tormenting you? Whatever it is, it’s real, and it’s worth acting now to get what you need to be healthy and a person at peace. *For example: Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; John 14:1-3; Philippians 4:6-9; Psalm 23:4; Psalm 46:1-2,10a; Psalm 62:5-6; Isaiah 40:29-31; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 91; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Matthew 11:28-29; John 16:33. | 
