Halloween reminds me of things we are afraid of. Like spiders. The dark. Scary-looking jack-o-lanterns. How much of our lives do we spend in fear? I don’t know about you, but for me, I’m afraid of flying.  I have friends who are afraid of getting old or losing their good health. Sometimes, I also fear the loss of friendships. The inability to make ends meet. The more I think about it, I sure do seem to spend a good amount of my waking hours fretting about my life.

The Bible tells us that fear is not from God. As a matter of fact, there are many, many verses in both the Old and New Testament that speak directly to God being our protector in time of uncertainty. Here are four examples:

• “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

• “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” ~ Psalm 118:6

• “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~ Joshua 1:5

• “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” ~ John 8:12

Isn’t this a good reminder for us? God is all around us and we do not need to fear, no matter what happens to us. He promises to take care of us, in good times and in bad. Our God, our savior, has our back. Can we remember this promise next time we are afraid?

I pray that we can.