In teaching short-term classes, it’s necessary but challenging to get to know my students’ language ability quickly. I often hand out questions asking students to “name 3” of something, from colors to emotions to dangerous situations. Students get to know each other and start to realize how many words they know. But there’s more. In all the four countries where I’ve taught the questions reveal more than I ever expected. Responses to “Please name 3 things you are afraid of” has been the most insightful. Ghosts, floods, singleness, and the army are common in their lists. As the semester goes on (and depending on the country and time), I learn that animistic beliefs rule their daily lives, heavy rains have destroyed their family’s livelihood more than once, no one lives alone, and many are personally aware of the power of an armed soldier. 

As my own fears change over time, I’ve found comfort and direction in scripture. I’m so encouraged that it does not deny or make light of the realities of life on earth. I do have anxious thoughts that multiply. (Psalm 94:19) Mountains do fall and waters roar, whether literally or figuratively. (Psalm 46:3) Constant change is unsettling for me but God promises peace. (Isaiah 26:3) Even Moses was fearful of the task God put before him. God’s response was to make clear who was doing the sending. (Exodus 3) 

This comfort and strength are not just for me but the new culture that I now call home. My students have lived in walled towns and love the tower image in Proverbs 18. Many grew up familiar with sheep and shepherds. A God who is called my shepherd! Who would search for one lost sheep! Who knows His sheep by name and gathers them in His arms! (Psalm 23, Luke 15:1-7, Isaiah 40:11) Amazing. Some were left behind with grandparents as parents went to the city for work and felt like God wrote Hebrews 13:5 just for them.  

All over the world we can say, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)