I was sitting in a restaurant, minding my own business, when monsters invaded my heart. Right in the middle of football game coverage, a terrifying commercial stole my peace. I only watched for a few seconds, but the gory faces and scary scenes are still burned into my brain. Three hundred and sixty four days of the year we hide our eyes from fear, but for some reason today, in celebration of Halloween, we tend to drop our guards and invite fear over to share a bucket of popcorn (or candy!). Not me. Uh-uh. Not this year. I won’t be binge-watching scary movies or visiting haunted houses. It’s not that I’m anti-fun or even anti-Halloween. But I do have a serious aversion to fear. Here’s why.
I’m Commanded Not to Fear
The Bible mentions fear more than 300 times. Most often it is in the form of a command, like this:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9). Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isa. 41:10). Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Phil. 4:6).
When it comes to fear, God’s Word urges us over and over (and over) to have one response—resist!
Instead of dwelling in darkness, I want to be near Jesus, where there is light.
Since we are commanded not to fear, is it wise to watch read or listen to things that invoke fear in our hearts? No way! Scary movies rob me of the peace that Jesus died to give me. It’s more than entertainment; it’s an opportunity to violate God’s command to fear not.
I Am a Child of the Light
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them (Eph. 5:8–11).
Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). I am His adopted daughter! Because Christ shines through me, I am a lighted city, shining from atop a hill (Matt. 5:14). Instead of dwelling in darkness, I want to be near Jesus, where there is light. Instead of gravitating toward all that is dark and scary, I want to shine a spotlight on it. As Christ’s followers, we are set apart to live as children of light. There’s no room for death and darkness in our hearts any more. I refuse to celebrate death and darkness, even if it’s just for one day.
I’m No Longer a Slave to Fear
I know what it’s like when fear has you in a chokehold. For many years I suffered with nightmares and panic attacks. By God’s grace, and through His Word, I’ve been set free from that fear. I will not go back in that cage in the name of entertainment.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Rom. 8:15).
You don’t have to be a slave to fear either. Psalm 34:4 shoots up a beacon of hope to the fearful: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
God is in the business of rescuing us from our fear. We can honor him by steering clear of themes that are dark, scary, or gory.
God is in the business of rescuing us from our fear. We can honor him by steering clear of themes that are dark, scary, or gory. How will you resist fear this Halloween? I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below. PS: Here is a song that has been on repeat on my playlist lately, “No Longer Slaves.” So good!