Conversation Starters about Fear

• Ask open-ended questions to further discussion (i.e. Tell me what made you feel scared.)
• Role play situations before they happen to discuss how to deal with fear
• Lead by example in how you talk about your own fears
• Help the child rephrase a question or sentence, if need be, to make sure words are respectful even when the child feels fears
• Work on understanding facial expressions that tell us someone else is scared
• Ask situational questions (i.e. What do you do if you feel scared? What do you say if your friend or sibling feels scared?)

Bible Verses about Fear

• Psalm 56:3-4a (ESV)
  When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
  
  
• Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
  
  
• I John 4:18 (NIV)
  There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
  
  
• 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
  
  
• Joshua 1:9 (NIV) - Seeds Kids Worship Video*
  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
  
  
• John 14:27 (NIV)
  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
  
  
• Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
  
  
• Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
  Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.  The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.
  
  
• Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
  For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
  
  
• Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
  
  
• Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) - Seeds Kids Worship Video*
  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
  
  
• Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
  Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
  
  
• Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
  The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
  
  
• Isaiah 43:1-2 (NIV)
  But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
  
  

Resources for Kids about Fear

Where's God When I'm Scared by Veggie Tales

The Color Monster by Anna Llenas

What am I Feeling? by Dr. Josh Straub

*Family Use Only