It's funny what fear does to the body.  Your heart rate increases, palms start to sweat, maybe your mouth goes dry.

But, then what? Do you go, full-force, at whatever it is? Or, do you freeze?

In our house, we have a 'freezer.' She literally stops moving and looks like a statue whenever she feels more fear than she thinks she can handle.

On her first birthday, Eliana's great-aunt had made her a hooded towel for her to use after her bath.  It was yellow with the duck's 'head' as the hood and feet sewn on the sides.  It was one of the cutest things all the guests at the party had seen!

But not Eliana.

The second I put the hood on her and everyone oohed and aahed, she literally froze.  She just stopped moving.

Since that day over 10 years ago, I am always on high alert – looking for situations that will make her so uncomfortable that I lose my daughter for a while.

This past week, it happened again at a swim meet.  In order to find ways to encourage Eliana, I started thinking about what the bible has to say about fear and how we all can be comforted when we want to just freeze.

'Fear not…'

The first verse I thought of that could help Eliana is Isaiah 41:10 (NIV).

               Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,                                 for I am your God.

How can one not be comforted knowing God is always there? This verse  has helped her to remember He really is there – not just some far off being.  I know I have repeated this verse in my head a million times! It really keeps me focused on the fact that God is with me and He knows what I am going through.

'Do not be anxious…'

Another verse that immediately came to mind was this one from Philippians –

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.                                                                                 Philippians 4:6

This scripture is one of the first that I think of whenever I think of prayer, but the first part really speaks to fear. It's interesting to think about the reasons we pray.  Do you pray more often when you are afraid?

I know I pray when I'm scared, but I am really working on finding that joy and giving thanks and praise to God whenever I find even the slightest hint of it!

'Therefore, do not worry…'

Then I remembered a verse we had talked about during one of our Family Meetings not too long ago.  Eliana's first orthodontist appointment was coming up and she was very nervous about it.  This verse really helped her put things in perspective and remember that she didn't need to worry – God was in control.

Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.                                                                                                           Matthew 6:34

More verses…

After I thought of those three verses, I decided to search for references to fear in the bible.  The list was seemingly endless.  That, in and of itself, was somewhat encouraging.  Not only because my family is not alone in this struggle, but because of all of the reassurances God gives us.

Some more verses I found helpful are the following ~

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?                                                                                                                              Matthew 6:25

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.                                                                                                                     1 Peter 5:7

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.                                                                                                                                      Deuteronomy 31:6

 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears                                                                       Psalm 34:4

So, hopefully, after studying out the verses about with Eliana, and having the posters in her room to help her remember God's promises, she won't feel the need to freeze next time she feels afraid.  My prayer is that you, too, can use these scriptures as at least a starting point for a conversation with your child when fear starts to creep in.

Your thoughts?

What verses have given you comfort when you are afraid?  Are there any that have helped your children through a difficult time?  I know I have not compiled an extensive list by any means, so I would love to add to our repertoire!