Anxiety is the number one presenting problem of students across the country at university counseling centers. Students are anxious about their classes, relationships, sexual assault, the future, etc. My wife facilitates a group for students struggling with anxiety. Prescriptions for anxiety-related medication have risen dramatically during the past few years. Where is all the fear coming from?
In the 80’s and 90’s, there was increased focus on child abductions. It was then that pictures of missing kids began appearing on milk cartons. The Amber Alert was also later created. Increasingly, parents began fearing for their children’s safety. On top of that, safety warnings began appearing for all types of child-related activities and products, from playground equipment to car seats, and from bicycle helmets to cribs. And then there was 9/11, when international terrorism came to our country’s shores. Just so many things out there that could harm our kids. And, unintentionally, we passed our fears on to them.
The Hebrew writer speaks of looking to leaders for the encouragement and faith to stand firm when fear is knocking on the door of our lives. For children, this would be their parents; yet, what do they so often see? In my experience working with college students, I can tell you what they see often is fear. I have led countless mission trips, taking students all over the country and to many countries around the world. I have not lost a student yet. But frequently I hear about, or talk directly to, parents who are afraid to let their kids participate. Fear of terrorism, accidents, poor living conditions, or just being out of continual contact leads some parents to deny their kids permission to go on these trips.
The reality is fear is contagious. This is why it is spreading on campus. Students see few examples of their peers who aren’t anxious about something. And for Christian students, it is the same.
What is needed in our homes and on our campuses if this is to ever change is those claiming to follow Jesus to heed the counsel of Scripture: Do not be afraid. It is given countless times in both the Old and New Testament. Look it up. And the reason for this is God can be trusted. Fear is a tool of the enemy. To combat it, we must live by faith that the Lord can be counted on. Parents need to entrust their kids to Him and provide examples of fearless faith regardless of the circumstances. Students need to cast their fears upon the Lord and get on with the business of living their lives fully for Him. Fear is crippling, but it need not be.
The assurance the Lord gave us through His Word, written millennia ago, is still valid because He does not change. He is the same today as He was then, and will remain the same forever. So today, if you are struggling with fear, cast it upon the Lord. He can be trusted. And pass this faith onto others, particularly your children if and when you have them. The need is great to raise up a generation of fearless followers of Jesus who will go with Him wherever He leads.
© Jim Musser 2016
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