The Bible Speaks to You October 21, 1967 Issue

[The above is an abbreviated, postproduction text of the program released for broadcast the week of October 13-19 in the radio series, "The Bible Speaks to You." Heard internationally over more than 1,000 stations, the weekly programs are prepared and produced by the Christian Science Committee on Publication, 107 Falmouth Street, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. 02115.]

RADIO PROGRAM NO. 289 - Helping Youth Overcome Fear of the Unknown

Questioner: Young people today often have a fear of the unknown. They're uneasy about what's in store for them in the military service, in a new job, or in an experience like the Peace Corps. Some wonder whether they'll be able to adjust to a new situation.

Don't you think some students are anxious because they feel they will be inadequate when they strike out on their own?
Speaker: Perhaps the problem is that they feel they're only on their own. But one is never really alone. I've known many young people and many service personnel who have found a true sense of oneness with God through their study of the Bible. And this has proved to be a very practical help in overcoming fear of what lies ahead, or what you termed the unknown. The Bible brings it out this way (Deut. 31:8): "And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."
Questioner: This may be fine when we're in our home surroundings, when we have a feeling of stability. But it's different when we strike out on our own—overseas, perhaps.
Speaker: Perhaps you're referring to a feeling that we are separated from God. But are we? The Psalmist gives us a wonderful answer to that (139:7-10): "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?...If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." Now, if we understand the source of this guidance, these ideas will be more to us than a promise. They are practical and usable.

Christ Jesus taught and proved in his healing work the power of the Love that is God, the Love that the Bible assures us "casteth out fear' (I John 4:18). As we come to know more of this Love that is God, the feeling of fear will simply disappear. It will fade out.
Questioner: And yet it appears that one big way of overcoming fear is to admit that you're afraid and that others are too. We have to face up to things, don't we?
Speaker: We have to face up to anything that would rob us of the realization of the presence of God.
Questioner: How would one pray to overcome fear?
Speaker: Well, the Christian Scientist faces fear by first learning more of the nature of God, and through his prayers he recognizes that God is ever present. Divine Love cares for man always and never forsakes him, never stops loving him.