THE AMYGDALA AND ITS ALLIEShttp://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/d/d_04/d_04_cr/d_04_cr_peu/d_04_cr_peu_1a.jpg

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The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure in the brain; its name comes from the Greek word for "almond.” As with most other brain structures, you actually have two amygdalae (shown in red in the drawing here). Each amygdala is located close to the hippocampus, in the frontal portion of the temporal lobe.

Your amygdalae are essential to your ability to feel certain emotions and to perceive them in other people. This includes fear and the many changes that it causes in the body. If you are being followed at night by a suspect-looking individual and your heart is pounding, the chances are that your amygdalae are very active!

Located deep inside our brain are two little structures that remind those who are observing them of almonds or walnuts. These are the amygdalae. These little structures are very important to us and to how we function in life. They are the place where the idea of fear, among other emotions, is generated in the body and directs the body's efforts in response to fear.

We are thinking of fear today. What is the fear? How do we know we are afraid? While I sometimes do not recommend Wikipedia for college courses or above, I will use the definition I found there today. It says,

Fear is a feeling induced by perceived danger or threat that occurs in certain types of organisms, which causes a change in metabolic and organ functions and ultimately a change in behavior, such as fleeing, hiding, or freezing from perceived traumatic events. Fear in human beings may occur in response to a specific stimulus occurring in the present or in anticipation or expectation of a future threat perceived as a risk to the body or life. The fear response arises from the perception of danger leading to a confrontation with or escapes from/avoiding the threat (also known as the fight-or-flight response), which in extreme cases of fear (horror and terror) can be a freeze response or paralysis.

So, fear is an emotion that arises out of our consciousness of our world around us. The more we are aware of the world around us, the more fear can become detrimental to our functioning well. A chaplain is often called to be present when fear grips a human being. It is our calling to be present when reality collides with someone's life, and fear arises.

There are times when the fear is very great and can bring about the condition of being unable to think or do anything. But there are times when it is not so disabling, but it remains very real. And the fear grips a person's soul in the dark of night and robs them of peace in the light of day. Fear is an emotion that challenges our assumptions about life and bout how life works. Fear tells us lies. It says, over and over again, you are not worthy of anyone caring for or about you. You are all alone, and you are lost from human concern.

So it becomes necessary for someone to come alongside us, so it will remind us that we are not alone. Someone who will assure us that God has not abandoned us. Because what happens when fear arises in our hearts is that we immediately forget God's presence and we become convinced by our own fear that we must face whatever the danger and threat are by ourselves.

In to that fearful void steps the chaplain. The chaplain comes as a person who conveys the fact of god's enduring love and presence. When we fill that role, you and I are putting skin on the promise of God that we do not have to fear, for he is with us.

Now those who have time to do such things have worked their way through the Bible, and they have found that there are hundreds of instances where a word from God addresses fear. In those verses, God always says, do not be afraid, and then the gives the reason, for I am with you. Hundreds of different times in the Scriptures, we find God is quoted as saying, do not be afraid, I am with you.

That tells me that one of the ways we as chaplains can help those who are facing a crisis in their lives is to assure them that our presence is a sign of God's holy presence. Our presence will not be good enough for anyone not to be afraid but as a sign of God's presence it often can break the chains of fear and begin to allow the courage we need to live our lives in this broken world.  As the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8, the whole creation groans as in the pains of childbirth. The creation groans. It has been subjected to what physicists call the second law of thermodynamics - everything tends toward disintegration. The whole creation is slowly breaking down, and it groans. We ourselves are prone to disintegration, and so we groan with age and with pain and finally with death. And our bodies break down into the dust from which we were taken in the first place. As God himself says, in Genesis three, dust you are and to dust, you shall return.

The chaplain comes to be present to anyone whose life is going through an obvious state of breakdown. The chaplain arrives to be present as God's person in that place at that time. Not so that we can be profound or witty or sad. No, we arrive so we can be present and that is all.

But never underestimate the power of your presence. It is the gift of God to those you serve. A simple reminder of the enduring presence of God is often the best thing you can give to anyone.

However, here is the bigger issue: can you minister to all those to whom God sends you? Before we get too glib about giving our pat answer of, yes! We do well to read again the story of Jonah as it comes to us in the Scriptures. I think Jonah was not a low-level prophet who was one of those preachers who we all think should have done something else. I think Jonah was a great preacher, so God called him to use his rhetorical skills to preach to Israel's enemies and proclaim destruction. Now one would think that such a message would have been right up Jonah's alley, but no, he turns tail and runs.

Why? Well, he tells us himself later in the book, I knew you were a gracious God who forgives everyone who turns to you. Jonah did not wish to have God forgive his enemy. He did not want God to be gracious to someone who had not served him from day one. But that was the people to whom God wanted him to go, and when he preached the whole city, even the animals repented, and God showed his gracious love to them. And Jonah was angry with God for being the sort of God who would do such a thing.

So I ask you, can you be the sign of the presence of God to those whom you do not like or to those whom you secretly despise?  God so loved the world - the cosmos - that he gave his only son so that whoever believes may not perish but have everlasting life. Can you be the presence of that God? The chaplain, you see, intentionally goes to places where the church building is not. The police department is not a church building. The fire station, the hospital, the prison, the deathbed, and none of these are found inside a church building. So the chaplain goes out to where the hurt and hurting are found. That is where the chaplain labors as the physical sign of the presence of God.

The story is told of a little boy who was filled with fears as he went to bed one night. He could not help himself; he cried and cried. Finally, after trying to calm him down a few times by assuring him that God was with the little boy in the dark of his room, his daddy got into his bed with him. And as they lay there, the little boy said to his daddy - I know God is here. But sometimes I need someone with skin on. I need someone with skin on. That is the need for all of us. We need someone with skin on to calm our fears and get that pesky amygdala to calm down, allowing us to let go of our fear.

I encourage you to meditate on the Scriptures which are in the document to follow. They are some of the profound thoughts of the Scriptures that assure us of the holy fear conquering God's presence. Memorize them, so you have them at hand to use when the opportunity presents itself. Be the one who can simply repeat the words of Scripture in such a way that your hearer will know that you not only know this but live this fear conquering life yourself.

Bible Verses About Fear - Read scriptures that can guide and encourage you on topics relating to fear, such as fear and anxiety, fear of love, fear of the unknown, and fear of death. Read verses from the Holy Bible about fear in relation to God, Jesus Christ, and the Christian faith.

Psalm 23:4

4 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.

Psalm 27:1

 

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?

Psalm 118:6

 

6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

2 Timothy 1:7

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

Psalm 115:11

11 You who fear him, trust in the LORD-- he is their help and shield.

Psalm 103:17

17 But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--

Psalm 112:1

1 Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands.

Deuteronomy 31:6

6 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.”

1 Chronicles 28:20

20 David also said to Solomon, his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.

Psalm 56:3-4

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise-- in God, I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Isaiah 41:10

10 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.

Isaiah 41:13

13 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.

Isaiah 54:4

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.

Matthew 10:28

28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Romans 8:15

15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father.”

1 Corinthians 16:13

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

Hebrews 13:5-6

5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

1 Peter 3:13-14

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

1 John 4:18

18 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.

50 Scripture Verses On Fear

In the NIV bible, there are more than 300 Scripture verses on fear; these are just a few. Read through the list, find a few favorites, and memorize them. Better yet, print a copy and keep it in your handbag or computer bag! When you find yourself waiting- such as carpool, at a doctor's appointment, or for a class to begin- pull out the list and read it.

  1. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
  2. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 NIV
  3. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7 NIV
  4. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matt 10:31 NIV
  5. Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. Deuteronomy 13:4 NLT
  6. I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT
  7. This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NLT
  8. But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. 1 Peter 3:14 NLT
  9. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't be silent! Acts 18:9 NLT
  10. 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. 1 John 4:18 NLT
  11. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 NIV
  12. In God, whose word I praise-- in God, I trust and am not afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4 NIV
  13. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Psalm 91:4-8 NLT
  14. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. Psalm 112:7 NLT
  15. Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses--is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock--not one! Isaiah 44:8 NLT
  16. I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear? Isaiah 51:12 NLT
  17. Be not afraid of them [their faces], for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord. Jeremiah 1:8 Amplified
  18. But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just have faith.”Mark 5:36 NLT
  19. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on water toward the boat. They were terrified,  but he called out to them, "Don't be afraid. I am here!” John 6:19-20 NLT
  20. "Don't be afraid,” Moses answered them, "for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!” Exodus 20:20 NLT
  21. You must always act in fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart. 2 Chronicles 19:9 NLT
  22. The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. Psalm 25:14 NLT
  23. But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. Psalm 33:18 NLT
  24. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NLT
  25. Fear the Lord; you are his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Psalm 34:9 NLT
  26. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Psalm 103:13 NLT
  27. Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. Proverbs 19:23 NLT
  28. True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. Proverbs 22:4 NLT
  29. Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. Proverbs 29:25 NLT
  30. Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Proverbs 31:30 NLT
  31. He will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:6 NLT
  32. Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” Isaiah 35:4 NLT
  33. Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid of people's scorn, nor fear their insults. Isaiah 51:7 NLT
  34. Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don't be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood. Isaiah 54:4 NLT
  35. For the Lord, your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
  36. Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt 10:28 NLT
  37. We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. Luke 1:74-75 NLT
  38. 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. Romans 8:38 NLT
  39. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.  But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. His presence was a joy. 2 Corinthians 7:5-6 NLT
  40. Since we are receiving an unshakable Kingdom, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28 NLT
  41. 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. 1 John 4:18 NLT
  42. "Fear God,” he shouted. "Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water.” Revelation 14:7 NLT
  43. And from the throne came a voice that said, "Praise our God, all his servants, all who fear him, from the least to the greatest.” Revelation 19:5 NLT
  44. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,  for you are with me Psalm 23:4 NIV
  45. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Deuteronomy 1:17 NIV
  46. Do not be afraid of them; the LORD, your God himself, will fight for you. Deuteronomy 3:22 NIV
  47. 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? Psalm 27:1 NIV
  48. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:40 NIV
  49. Jesus told him, "Don't be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:36 NIV
  50. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. Revelation 1:17 NIV

Last modified: Thursday, December 3, 2020, 1:50 PM