Courage When I’m Afraid.

Open Your Bible

Read and notice.

1. Psalm 56:3–4 — Notice what the writer does when fear comes.
2. Joshua 1:6–9 — Look for the reason Joshua can be strong and courageous.
3. Mark 4:35–41 — Pay attention to the disciples’ fear and Jesus’ response during the storm.

1

Feeling afraid is not a failure.

Everyone feels fear sometimes. You may be afraid of a storm, a new school, a test, speaking in front of people, being left out, going to the doctor, losing someone you love, trying something difficult, or not knowing what will happen next.

Fear is a feeling, not a measure of your faith.

Psalm 56 does not say, “I never feel afraid.” It says that when fear comes, the writer chooses to trust God.

2

Courage grows from God’s presence.

In Joshua 1, Joshua is given a huge responsibility. Moses has died, and Joshua must lead God’s people.

God does not tell Joshua to be courageous because Joshua is the strongest person in the world. God reminds him, “I will be with you.”

Our courage is not based on pretending we can control everything. It grows from knowing God is faithful and present.

3

Jesus is Lord even when life feels stormy.

In Mark 4, the disciples are in a real storm. Their fear is not imaginary. The wind and waves are dangerous. Jesus calms the storm and shows His authority.

This story reminds us that Jesus is greater than the powers that frighten us. It does not promise that every frightening situation will end instantly when we pray. Christians still face hard situations. But we can bring our fear to Jesus and trust that He is with us.

4

Some fear can warn us to get help.

Not every fear should be ignored. If a dog is growling and moving toward you, wisdom may mean backing away safely.

If someone threatens you, asks you to keep an unsafe secret, tries to contact you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, or touches you inappropriately, courage may mean telling a trusted adult immediately.

5

Courage usually takes one next step.

Sometimes we become overwhelmed because we try to solve the whole future at once. Instead, ask: “What is the next wise thing I can do?”

• Before a test: study the next section.
• Before a conversation: pray and plan one truthful sentence.
• When you are lonely: talk to a trusted person.
• When you made a mistake: tell the truth.
• When you do not understand something: ask for help.

One faithful step can be an act of courage.

A Simple Courage Plan

Name it, remember, ask, choose.

Let’s Think About It

Practice courage wisely.

You are nervous about reading out loud in class. Practice beforehand, ask the teacher a question, pray for calm, and try even though you still feel nervous.

An older person keeps sending you messages and tells you not to show your parents. Do not handle it alone. Stop responding if appropriate, save the messages, and tell a trusted adult. Fear in that situation can be an important warning.

Talk About It

Questions for a child and trusted adult.

1. Does feeling afraid mean you do not trust God? Why or why not?
2. What gave Joshua a reason for courage?
3. What does the storm story show us about Jesus?
4. Why can some fear be helpful?
5. What is the difference between courage and taking a foolish risk?
6. Who are trusted adults a child could go to for help?
7. What is one small situation where you could practice courage this week?

Memory Verse

Psalm 56:3

Learn the verse from the Bible translation your family, church, or class uses. Notice that trust happens in the middle of fear, not only after fear disappears.