Locations & Times

Fear

Resources for Nourishing Lives


Return to The Well

The content below is intended to provide a variety of helpful resources on difficult yet relevant subjects, in this case, fear. We recognize that some sources may come into question for any number of reasons, and the following are not offered with a blanket endorsement of every word spoken or written. We believe God uses imperfect people every day, and the following are just as fallible as anyone — yet if they may be helpful, we want to share them with you.

Overview

There are many examples in the Bible where someone is encouraged with, "do not be afraid." Leaders throughout the Old Testament, prophets, angels, and God Himself all use these words to strengthen or ease their audience — especially in a moment of great stress. Remember the shepherds guarding their sheep who saw an angel of the Lord appear? They were told, "Do not be afraid!"

Yet throughout Scripture, we are also repeatedly told to "fear God.” This type of fear is often described as a respectful reverence and surrender to the glory, justice, and power of the perfect Almighty. 

For the purposes of this page of resources, we are focusing on the type of fear described above, where fear is a human response to threat, harm, the unknown, or more. Ultimately, we are encouraged with where to place our faith, our trust, our strength, our hope... in God alone.

Care & Prayer Ministry

Care & Prayer Ministry


Timberline Church has a variety of services available for depression and other challenges. Please visit our Care & Prayer ministry page to explore some of the services by clicking the button below, or fill out the form at the bottom of this page and we will respond as soon as possible.

Care & Prayer Ministry

Podcasts

Podcasts


Faith and Fear — Mackenzie Matthews and Christina Ross

From a couple of inspiring women in our own Timberline family, Mackenzie and Christina transparently share their journeys through breast cancer. Christina shares her story of being diagnosed while pregnant. Our host Mackenzie Matthews also shares some of her personal journey with the same type of breast cancer — and together they discuss the tension of faith and fear. This personal and powerful two-part podcast can be listened to at the following links:
Podcast — Part One
Podcast — Part Two

Known — Podcasts by Pastor Dick Foth

Pastor Dick Foth has a passion for stories. They are the creative palette that our God uses to illustrate His character, salvation, and love. As Pastor Foth says, "All people are story books. Stories that cross generations. Lenses to see the world in a different way. God’s Story is the large canvas. That’s what these conversations with friends are about." The following link opens a page that shares a handful of stories that include an element of fear. Please enjoy these powerful stories by clicking here.

I'm Not Anxious, I'm C.A.L.M. — Podcast by Proverbs 31 Ministries

In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything…” But in today’s world, it’s hard to hold true to that promise in God’s Word. We see violence, sickness, betrayal and evil in the world ... every day, multiple times a day. So how can we “not be anxious about anything”? In this episode of the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast we’ll give you the answer: stay C.A.L.M. This podcast can be listened to by clicking here.

Faith Over Fear: Overcoming Anxiety — The Simply Joyful podcast with Rachel Swanson

As moms I know that it’s very common to struggle with fear. With all the bad things going on in the world, it’s too easy to let that fear creep in—I know it is for me. With shootings, hurricanes, and natural disasters going on, my first response after getting the tragic news is to put myself in their shoes and wonder what I would do to protect my kids in those situations. This podcast can be listened to by clicking here.

Fear — A podcast series from Risen Motherhood

Motherhood offers no shortage of reasons to fear, which is why we’re doing a deep dive into the topic in this mini-series. In the first episode in this 7-episode series, Laura and Emily talk about some of the fears they’ve faced in the past year. Not all fear is bad though, so they give us examples of different types of fear and talk about the best kind—the fear of the Lord. If you find yourself in a state of fear, you’re not alone. Let’s fight our fears together with the truth of God’s word. This podcast series can be listened to by clicking here.


Articles & Bible Studies

Articles & Bible Studies


Blog: Good Reasons Not To Fear

Authored by Karen Wingate, the article can be accessed by clicking here.

Blog: Hope

Read an touching story of how faith is displayed through the life of a little girl named Hope. Read Hope by Pastor Jeff Lucas, here.

Article: Comfort in a Fearful World

Authored by Courtney Reissig, the article can be accessed by clicking here.

Article: Christians Can Be Counterculturally Fearless

Authored by Thaddeus Williams, the article can be accessed by clicking here.

Article: Why Satan Wants You to Think You’re Alone

Authored by John Beeson, the article can be accessed by clicking here.

Bible Study: The Fear Dilemma

This series by Joanna Hyatt is designed to inform, educate, and biblically ground what Christian parents should know about fear as well as provide a path forward for family understanding and discussion around how we should view the issue in the current climate.

This study is available on RightNow Media, a free resource offered through Timberline Church. If you have not set up a free account to access valuable RightNow Media content, you may do so by clicking here. Once you have created your account, click here to access this study.

Bible Study: Fear and Faith

In five heartfelt sessions based on her book, Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves, speaker and author Trillia Newbell invites women to explore their fears and how those fears impact their relationships, self-esteem, peace of mind, and walk with God. Each session features real-life stories of women who are wrestling with fear due to tragic events, difficult circumstances, or deep anxiety about what may or may not happen. Trillia will walk through Scriptures that show God's love and strength when we are afraid and His faithfulness in times of trouble.

This study is available on RightNow Media, a free resource offered through Timberline Church. If you have not set up a free account to access valuable RightNow Media content, you may do so by clicking here. Once you have created your account, click here to access this study.


Books

Books


Christ in the Storm, by Pastor Donny Abbott

The backdrop for this book is the famous painting Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, created by Rembrandt in 1633. Donny employs Visio Divina throughout this book, using Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee to focus our thoughts. The goal is to understand and grow our relationship with God, regardless of, or perhaps because of, our innate tendencies to doubt our faith when we need it the most... even amidst fear. Click here to view on the Timberline Bookstore.

Why Emotions Matter, by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

For some, emotions are overwhelming and all-important. For others, they are bothersome and irrational. No matter where you fall on the emotional spectrum, one thing is for sure: God designed you as an emotional being. Click here for Why Emotions Matter on Amazon. Available in hard copy and digital formats.

The Body Keeps the Score, by Tristen K Collins LPC & Jonathan D Collins, with Melissa Binder

Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. To learn more, and view on Amazon, click here for The Body Keeps the Score. Available in hard copy, audio, and digital formats.

Feel Better Fast and Make It Last, by Daniel G. Amen

We’ve all felt anxious, sad, traumatized, grief-stricken, stressed, angry, or hopeless at some point in life. It’s perfectly normal to go through emotional crises or have periods when you feel panicked or out of sorts. It is how you respond to these challenges that will make all the difference in how you feel―not just immediately, but also in the long run. To learn more, and view on Amazon, click here for Feel Better Fast and Make It Last. Available in hard copy, audio, and digital formats.

Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table, by Louie Giglio

The Enemy is constantly seeking to fill your mind with destructive and harmful thoughts—whether of fear, worry, insecurity, anxiety, temptation, envy. It’s all too easy for Satan to manipulate his way into a seat at the table intended for only you and Jesus, and to try making himself at home in your mind. It’s an ongoing battle, but one you can win! To learn more, and view on Amazon, click here for Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table. Available in hard copy, audio, and digital formats.

Break Free!: Understanding and Overcoming Disordered Fear, by Christopher Wilgers

Fear is the greatest motivator that exists outside of loveand yet these two seemingly opposing forces are in fact inseparably related to each other. As a Christian psychotherapist with twenty-five years of experience, I have come to the conclusion that nearly all emotional and psychological struggles share the same root condition I call disordered fear. To learn more, and view on Amazon, click here for Break Free!. Available in hard copy and digital formats.

Singing in Babylon, by Jeff Lucas

Everyone has to live with second choices—events and circumstances that they would not choose, some trivial, some tragic. Daniel was a man whose life was filled with second choices, but he did more than just survive; he stayed faithful to God and thrived. Down-to-earth but inspirational, Singing in Babylon explores how the reader, like Daniel, can find purpose and meaning in life’s second choices. Available in print and digital formats here.

Surprised by Hope, by N. T. Wright

Wright convincingly argues that what we believe about life after death directly affects what we believe about life before death. For if God intends to renew the whole creation—and if this has already begun in Jesus’s resurrection—the church cannot stop at "saving souls" but must anticipate the eventual renewal by working for God’s kingdom in the wider world, bringing healing and hope in the present life. Available in print, digital, and audio formats here.


Worship Songs

Worship Songs


A Spotify playlist full of encouraging songs, called Faith over Fear, is accessible by clicking here.




Fear Is Not My Future, performed by Ashley Helmuth, Ryan Jensen, and Jan Springer, and produced by Timberline Church, can be watched by clicking here on YouTube.




The official lyric video of Rescue, by Lauren Daigle, can be enjoyed by clicking here on YouTube.




Peace Be Still, performed by Hope Darst, is an encouraging and uplifting song about triumphing over fear. It can be enjoyed here on YouTube.



Zach Williams' song, Fear Is a Liar, has a powerful message. Please be aware that this intense song confronts suicide and may not be appropriate for all audiences to watch. The song can be accessed by clicking here for YouTube.



Ryan Stevenson sang the powerful and moving Eye of the Storm about stability and peace with Jesus. Enjoy the song here on YouTube.



The official lyric video of Praise You in the Storm by Casting Crowns can be enjoyed by clicking here on YouTube.




Zach Williams played at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in September 2019. Enjoy part of his Rescue Story concert here on YouTube.



Scars, performed by I Am They, can be enjoyed here on YouTube.




Waymaker, performed by Michael W. Smith, can be enjoyed here on YouTube.




Goodness of God

How do we respond to life's challenges and the burdens we carry? By pouring out our hearts through singing and praise, we place our trust into the loving arms of our Maker — into the "Goodness of God." You are not alone. Watch the full video on YouTube by clicking here.



Bible Verses

"So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, 'Abba, Father.'"

Spoken by Paul in Romans 8:15



"Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love."

Spoken by John in 1 John 4:18



"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Spoken by Paul in Romans 8:38-39



"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."

Spoken by Moses in Deuteronomy 31:6



"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety."

Spoken by King David in Psalm 18:2




Pastoral Messages

Pastoral Messages


We live in a time where it’s so easy to become trapped in unhealthy thought patterns and habits. In this intimate teaching, “Resetting Our Minds,” Pastor Jeff Lucas helps shine a light on the importance of identifying those well-worn pathways/default settings in our minds and how God is calling us to intentionality and promises us His help as we choose well. There is much that we can learn from this relevant message by clicking here.



Fear is a word that we’re hearing a lot these days. When fear is rampant, how should we respond, and can fear even be helpful? Pastor Jeff Lucas explores the subject as we look at a biblical story where a man faced overwhelming circumstances. The message is viewable by clicking here.



Is all fear wrong? Is fear a lack of faith? And how can we conquer unhealthy patterns of fear? Pastor Brent Cunningham discusses the subject of fear at the Timberline Windsor campus, which is accessible by clicking here.



Pastor Donny Abbott speaks at Timberline's Wednesday Night Community on the subject of fear. The message is viewable by clicking here.



In a world of anxious circumstances, it's no wonder that many of us find ourselves dealing with fear. However, God's people are called to live courageously. How can we live with peace and confidence in the midst of a frightening world? The only way is to remember that the Lord has promised to strengthen, help, and uphold us, and He always keeps His Word. This message is viewable, courtesy of In Touch Ministries with Dr. Charles Stanley, by clicking here.




Media & Video

Media & Video


I Am Second is a story-driven video series that highlights many different individuals and their personal journeys, ultimately surrendering to Jesus (who is "first"). Hear a powerful story from Sarah Taylor about being stronger than fear by clicking here. Please be aware that this story describes an attempted abduction of Sarah, and may be too graphic or inappropriate for some audiences.




The Weight We Carry

In life, we will all experience burdens and hardships. Pastor Mackenzie Matthews shares her story and encourages us that no matter what we face, God is with us. This video can be watched on YouTube by clicking here.



Goodness of God

How do we respond to life's challenges and the burdens we carry? By pouring out our hearts through singing and praise, we place our trust into the loving arms of our Maker — into the "Goodness of God." You are not alone. Watch the full video on YouTube by clicking here.



Holy Forever

Find peace in the worship anthem "Holy Forever," performed by Ascent Project, Calli Robinson, and Ashley Stewart at the Colorado House of Prayer. Let this moment of worship remind you that God's holiness is constant, and His name stands above all. Watch the full video on YouTube by clicking here.



Crisis & Counseling

Crisis & Counseling


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. If you or a loved one are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out anytime:
(800) 273-8255
suicidepreventionlifeline.org


ReStory Counseling Center

Restoration Counseling offers individual, couples, and teen therapy in Colorado and spiritual direction, spiritual counseling, and coaching via tele-health to those who desire to LOVE THEIR STORY and LIVE RESTORED.
(970) 672-7974
restorationcounselingnoco.com


Colorado Crisis Services

Help with mental health, substance use or emotional concerns. Confidential and immediate support 24/7/365 with locations in Greeley, Aurora, Boulder, Denver, and more.
(844) 493-8255
coloradocrisisservices.org


Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Crisis and suicide resources and print materials are available, including prevention materials, suicide loss resources, gun safety, and more.
Email: cdphe.information@state.co.us
colorado.gov


SAFE 2 TELL

An anonymous way for people to report concerns regarding their safety or the safety of others. Provides technical assistance to schools and communities before and after tragic events. Educates, and provides awareness and outreach to encourage reporting and breaking the code of silence.
Hotline: (877) 542-7233
(720) 508-6800
safe2tell.org

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