In the past year I tried my hands at a turn-based table top game called "Journeys in Middle Earth" where the campaign is dictated by an online app, and you have to memorise some basic rules of movement to run the rest of the actions of your characters independently. Even though I played the easiest mode that supposedly allowed a little more exploration and scouting and stopping to smell the roses (quite literally at times), I still barely scraped through the levels.
Each whole map could take 3-4 hours to setup administratively and each round took about 15-20 mins for all my characters (rally and action phase) and the game's bad guys (shadow phase) to complete their individual activation. At first, whenever orcs or goblins spawned on the map because they have a camp there or are summoned by the evil necromancer Atari, I tended to ignore them since they were a distance away. It was only by the following round when they were close enough to attack and injure my characters that I started stressing out and doing something about it (talk about complacency). By then the dwarf or elf or hobbit I played was taking some proper "Damage" or "Fear" with each advance of the enemy.
Damage referred to cards denoting physical harm that each character accumulated until they reached their personal threshold and needed healing or else they would straight up die. However, it was the Fear cards that got me more riled up and worried for my characters. Because attaining some Damage affected only themselves usually, but Fear not only crippled them, some cards also gravely impacted their team members. Furthermore, Fear was not just dealt during attacks, it also affected my characters when they had to go underground or into dark caves to explore and search. Hence the compound effect for Fear was worse when enemies spawned in the caves and battles ensued inside (it thus became easier for my characters to die from Fear, literally).
And that got me thinking - as I witnessed with trepidation the ill effects of fear within a group of adventurers trying to keep their sanity - how varying levels of fear affect people in real life. What might the Bible say about fear as we fight our demons in the dark? So I took cue from the various Fear cards in "Journeys in Middle Earth" and listed them out below.
Gloom
partial or total darkness; depression or despondency
This can refer to the physical environment being dark or the state of mind. Sometimes the environment does affect the mood too, hence why the need to get out and about in the sun, so that Vitamin D can help your body produce serotonin and lift the cloud in your mind. As my characters traipse around in dark places, they become fearful of the dark and what might be there. If you are afraid of the dark, or what might lurk there like house lizards or robbers round the corner, the Bible offers solace:
Proverbs 3:24
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
The darkness of our mind can be overcome when we allow the Light to shine within. When our security is in Christ, it chases out all fear and negativity and helps us to realign with Him instead. When our focus is on Him, there is something perfect to strive for, and we remove our focus from self and our limitations and problems for a change.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Looming Shadows
something about to happen and regarded as ominous or worrying
I focussed on the word "looming", and the term is a lower degree from premonition. Rarely do we have prophetic visions, but there are situations or occasions where there may be a certain level of danger that are legitimately cause for concern. It can be the lack of security in the regions we travel to, loved ones riding a motorbike (statistically these have higher rates of accidents), or attempting high-risk activities like climbing mountains without training. In all these things we can take calculated risks, but the rest of the unknowns we can only leave it up to God, who assures:
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 40:1,2
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.”
Again we can remedy the ominous feeling of worry by looking to God in faith, knowing He cares for us and our loved ones more than we do. While we pray for safety and for danger to be kept at bay, His truth and promises will saturate our minds with peace.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Deluded
false idea or belief, or misjudgment or being deceived which causes ignorance, bewilderment or helplessness.
Delusions or falsehood would usually form based on our perception or false information which leads us to believe or think a certain way about ourselves or others. It can be false news that was fed to us in high volumes regarding Covid or the vaccine when it first came out and it was speculation galore, which all caused a lot of fear. Ladies can toy with the idea of a knight in shining armour coming to our rescue from our drab lives, or that the distant crush we haven't spoken to in years is still the one for us. One might dream of a windfall from lottery or rush into financial/crypto investments with just a positive gut feeling of getting rich quick... Let's be real and snap back to reality. God knows this only so well that He advises:
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Let Him be your solid foundation so you are not tossed to and fro by the winds of other doctrine, opinions or trends. When we trust ourselves and our finite understanding, we presume to know better than God, who sees and knows all and can direct your paths.
Anxiety
a feeling of dread, uneasiness and tension
We know it all too well - rushing a deadline, hosting new guests for Christmas, doing outreach, driving on the roads - life can be constantly stress-inducing. But to persistently be hanging on by a wire, holding your breath in suspense or moving at a breakneck speed to keep up with the pressures of work (and top that up with caffeine) makes your cortisol levels shoot through the roof. It will take a hit on your health and your mind; and as your body has a limited capacity, so too your will of steel. You can't keep yourself tightly wound up and stretched out, you need to release the tension. Let go of all that is stressing you out and let God take care of all that.
1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
John 14:27
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.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Troubled
beset by problems and difficulties, showing anxiety and distress.
Various troubles and problems may besiege us and it is going to be a common and ongoing issue so long as we're in this world. Temptations we face now are the same ones that the apostles and spiritual giants themselves face - they had those sinful desires then, we have those same ones now (1 Cor 10:13). But we have the example of Jesus to tide us through, the God who became Man just to show us that it is possible to overcome all temptations and sin. He came and demonstrated it was possible to live a godly life in spite of prevalent ungodliness that surrounds us.
Psalm 9:9
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
The worries of this world can entangle us and try to choke us out. And it is easy to see my peers struggle with their faith, wondering where God is in the pursuit of their career, romantic relationships and other pursuits (I did so too during 2 years of Covid lockdowns). Nonetheless God wants to restore and reconcile us to Him, readily forgiving us so we can return to Him and enjoy a wholesome relationship again, as He did with the Israelites after their 70-year exile:
Isaiah 54:4
“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.
Surrender
not resisting an enemy or influence and giving in or submitting to their authority.
In battle or fights against the devil or our sins, to give in to the world and our desires (especially that which is sinful and offensive to God) is to stop struggling against them. We essentially fail when we allow sin to take control instead of allowing God to be in control of our lives. In the battlefield, to see a soldier surrender to the enemy or defect to the opposing side is demoralising. In fellowship, to see a peer step outside of accountability, become complacent with her morals and give in to indecent pleasures affects the group, family and more so God. When God intervenes to punish or discipline, it is out of love in order to warn us, met out the consequences and restore us rather than destroy us (as He did with David and Bathsheba). He patiently brings us back on the right path.
Exodus 20:20
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
Proverbs 3:12
because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
We surrender not to our sins and Satan but to a God who saves. He calls for a life of submission to Christ, fully given over to the goodness of God, so that His love will overflow in us and we will become love. The believer who has handed over his will, desires and own life into the hands of God will not be left wanting.
Isaiah 41:10
“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.”
Impending Doom
intense feelings of terror, worry or fear of something life threatening or tragic that will occur.
A friend told me the US economy was going into recession this year, this based on decades of fiscal patterns. I only felt its effects when I realised my favourite cereal suddenly cost $2 more. That aside, we're living in the last days and doomsday prophets have been making their rounds on the internet, Y2K got people riled up, 2012 boasted an armageddon and natural disasters continue to re-terrain landscapes... nothing is new under the sun. And God knows all these happenings even before they happen. His Word is to simply trust in Him.
Jeremiah 51:46
Do not lose heart or be afraid when rumors are heard in the land; one rumor comes this year, another the next, rumors of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler.
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Hopelessness
despair, having no expectation of good or success.
Without hope, people can perish because it is the motivation for life. Without it, we can despair of life like King Solomon did in Ecclesiastes, bemoaning his existence. We persist and persevere because there is something meaningful to strive for or work towards. Being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel lets us know where to set our sights on. At times when that light gets too dim or not even within your peripheral, others can light the way so you can see better and press on in the right direction (Phi 2:15).
Psalm 119:114, 116
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Faith is the element that carries us through hopeless situations and when things are so bad, there seems no end in sight to the torture and injustice (as Corrie ten Boom and Richard Wurmbrand experienced in WW2 and Communism.) Faith gives us a glimpse of the unseen. Jesus gave us a glimpse of the life after this - a new body and eternity with God and joy - and the hope of better things to come when we're done.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Cowering
shrinking away by lowering body or head, as if crouching or hiding, in fear of something menacing.
There was an incident in the Bible where enemies were so desperate to quell the rebuilding work Nehemiah had set about, that they resorted to deceiving him and threatening his life:
Nehemiah 6:10-13
One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was shut in at his home. He said, “Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you.” But I said, “Should a man like me run away? Or should someone like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!” I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me.
It was a sin to cower or be fearful in the face of danger while doing God's work. God does not delight in His people shrinking from their role of leadership or influence of which He has set them... it is a poor example to others who will witness it. It also indicates a lack of faith and security in God. Nehemiah had a noble task and he was going to see it through to the end, even if it meant opposition, unpopularity and possibly death. Cowardice would also ruin his reputation and affect his people and their morale. He did not take the easy way out and chose to press on. He chose not to be afraid of wicked men.
Isaiah 44:8
Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”
Overcome
being subdued or defeated, or a feeling of being overwhelmed or overpowered.
Having the overview of what is happening on the battlefields of Middle Earth, whenever my character is going through dark places or has accumulated a growing amount of Fear, I can only encourage them to keep going and not give up. (Sadly it's not a game mechanic and doesn't affect the outcome in their difficulties.) There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and one need only persevere through to emerge victorious and find relief. We find that we can overcome suffering and trials rather than be overcome by them, as is the definition above.
Deuteronomy 31:8
“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.”
Joshua 1:9
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.”
With Moses handing the baton of leadership over to Joshua, he urges Joshua and the people to obey God. God Himself further spurred Joshua as they prepare for war, reminding him that He fights with them and for them. Whoever heard of any other God who would do such things for His followers. If God helps His people fight their battles on the frontline, He will do the same with our spiritual battles too, so that we will not be overcome by it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Greed
an intense or selfish desire to gain more of something to the point of excess.
Human ambition always tells us to do more, gain more, be more etc. More is better, by the world's standards. It doesn't take much to read about greed today when someone kills a family member for it, or when corrupted officials try to amass wealth that should otherwise have been put to good use, or when another scammer called today. Money is not the root of evil, the rotten core of the human heart is. The Bible knows it well:
James 4:2
You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
Paul's advice to Timothy, who was shepherding a church in a nation that was wealthy and powerful, was to command the rich to be rich in love. Because it is possible to be have so much things but have no space for others. People can love possessions more than other people that it takes up the most room in their life.
1 Timothy 6:17-18
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
There is no need to fear loss or worry for our inheritance excessively. Our King is ready to hand over the keys to the kingdom and bless us in abundance. We only need to keep our hands open wide and release what we've been holding onto, in order to receive what is better:
Luke 12:32
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Paranoia / Dark Whispers
unjustified suspicion or mistrust of others and their actions, unreasonable belief of being harmed, harassed or betrayed.
Besides my relative, I've met another schizophrenic and have experienced what it's like to be on the receiving end of their breakdown. They hear voices aloud in their own mind, or see people talking to them, and the vision is as clear as me standing in front of them too. The mind is so powerful that it makes unreal things appear real. Sadly the things they hear are insults or curses and everything negative about themselves, being said to them.
There were multiple times they shouted or got angry at me or their family for no reason, believing we had said something evil against them within earshot. It was hard to clarify these things because they were already agitated or was on guard against us, unwilling to trust anyone anymore. The closer family members have it hardest because it's a daily losing uphill battle. It eventually becomes harder to function in society or hold down a job since they keep hearing dark whispers in every corner of the office and home.
While this is the pain of a mental disorder they have to live with, normal people are also susceptible to such fears of others' motives and build up their own defences against people they don't trust. It can be likewise with how we view God sometimes: some do have a spiritual belief that God is an evil God out to get them, and that they have to be in constant battle with Him to get their way. It is unreasonable and false thoughts that drive that mindset.
While neurological issues will require drugs or a balance of chemicals in the brain, the Lord can meanwhile offer comfort to His people who are fearful:
Matthew 14:27
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
1 Chronicles 22:13
Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
Ill Will
harbouring hostile feelings, animosity or bitterness towards someone, malevolence or enmity.
The trouble with such intense emotions is that eventually they will spew forth from the person who is holding them in. These thoughts give way to actions, unpleasant ones at that. Resentment and holding a grudge is like drinking poison, constantly harming your soul and well being, all while hoping it will kill the person you dislike. And bitterness can become a common affair - what with the infuriating colleague who just rubs you the wrong way, or difficult family member who also starts flame wars online, or annoying volunteer who has an opinion about everything (that will be me). However, if not dealt with quickly, it will take a deep hold of us, like the devil with one foot inside the door. The Bible mentions them:
1 Timothy 6:4
... they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions...
The only way to resolve ill will is to forgive quickly (and forget if possible). If we keep running the offence or bad situation over and over again in our head, reliving it or reminding ourselves of the bad that has been done, it feeds a sick desire to hold onto that bitter feeling towards a person. You want to cut it off entirely before it takes root.
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Infighting
hidden or open conflict, dissension, rivalry or competitiveness within a group.
We've now progressed to a stage where anger is lashed out against others blatantly. These things happen even to churches and especially to godly leaders. The devil attacks and takes down those in authority this way, in order to create the biggest impact when dishonouring God's name.
In my previous employment in church, I came upon an issue of having double vision. I was not provided stationery in the office, but there were 2 paper cutters, 2 clear divisions of storage etc (and 2 large printers once upon a time). The English and Chinese admin staffs later told me that their predecessors had so many disputes that they decided to get their own office equipment, so to make the usage of facilities and division of finances clear-cut. Other things like A4 paper belonging to whom was also a contentious matter. This effect obviously trickled down into the management meetings with volunteers and other pastors. Hence to combat the arising internal conflict, a central committee was setup to begin unravelling festering wounds so that the church could function as a whole instead of 2 factions. This was years ago, but the after-effects could still be seen and felt.
Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Hysteria
exaggerated or uncontrolled outburst of emotions, or a state of extreme panic or terror
Hysteria might be something seen more often in war or terror situations. There was a day I joined an acting troupe to take part in a terrorist attack simulation for NS men in training, and a few of us were selected to be hostages. We were supposed to be business people in a conference when the building got hijacked, and had to be fearful for our lives, yelling out the windows in the middle of a gun battle (in an enclosed space, it's deafening). We were rather tame and cooperative as civilians, and made an undramatic escape. Suddenly my partner, a professional actress and veteran at these exercises, went berserk and climbed onto an armoured personnel carrier, screaming and hammering on the bulletproof window and demanding to be let in. She went all out for a minute. I somewhat played along until some guys took us aside and calmed her down. She later explained some CO had asked her to attack the armoured vehicle to test the responses of the NS men. She made the scenario realistic and the army men feedback that might be what real panic looked like.
Psalm 118:6
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Isaiah 12:2
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.”
Matthew 8:26
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
Emotional Rage
intense uncontrolled outburst of anger and violence from an increasing state of hostility, usually as a result of perceived injury or injustice.
This is an unhealthy place to be in. When the pressure inside builds up, it will have to come out somewhere. And this is how abuse cases and fights start. Before it escalates into uncontrollable rage where someone gets hurt, it always helps to take a step back and leave the situation so that you stop interacting with the person. Growing up in a contentious family, witnessing psychological abuse and physical fights, and observing other godly families, I have learnt never to raise a hand to assault another person except in self-defence. Conflict management and defusing a situation is important and a more needful skill.
Being an advocate of the National Anti-Violence Hotline for a while, they shared how accountability amongst the religious community and having higher morality standards (ie. of godliness) was essential in combatting cases of abuse. Reports of abuse had increased during Covid because everyone was forced to live in close quarters and for more often. Hence abuse of children or spouses or elderly became more prevalent. People were acting up and acting out.
1 Samuel 24:12
May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.
Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.
The Lord says should abuse or wrongdoing befall you, leave room for Him to work His revenge instead. He will call all people to account for their actions - justice will seek them out while they are here on earth and at the end of days. God assures us their punishment is due. We are called to bless and pray for those who hurt or trouble us meanwhile, because that's what Jesus did.
Romans 12:14, 17, 21
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
That was the full list of Fears and what the Bible says. The Bible has many other verses about overcoming fear and not giving in to it, so I've listed the rest below:
Deuteronomy 3:22
Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”
Jeremiah 1:8
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:4
I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord.
Daniel 10:19
“Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”
Joel 2:22
Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.
Micah 4:4
Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken.
Luke 12:7
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
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