Arlo is the Good Dinosaur; a dinosaur that can’t find it in his heart to kill a critter. Yet he’s also a dinosaur that struggles with fear. He finds it difficult to face fear head on, unlike his siblings.
Applications:
Fear:
Fear is a very real emotion. Yet some people remember fear as False Evidence Appearing Real. It only has the power we give it. Arlo wants to overcome his fears, and his father wants to help him, yet Arlo is scared of even the smallest things – like the insect in this clip! Arlo’s dad shows him that the best way to fight his fear is to face it head on… it is to move through his fear to the other side. You can’t overcome your fear if you are not willing to come against it. Avoiding your feeling of fear means you will never stop being afraid. Yet if you want to stop being afraid – if you want to be bold and strong – you must face those things you fear most!
Arlo’s father shows him the way to overcome his fears. Just as he does this, Jesus also shows us the way to do the same – by believing and trusting in him! He has overcome the world (John 16:33) and so what do we have to fear?! The question is, are you believe and trust in him?
BIBLE VERSES:
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.” Deuteronomy 31:6.
So do not dear 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 41:10.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18.
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 23:4.
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.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7.
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- When were you last afraid?
- What are the things that you fear the most?
- What do you do when you are afraid?
- What would you like to do instead (when you get scared)?
- Do you think God ever feels fear? Why/why not?
- Have you ever asked God to help you when you have got scared?
- How does God help you when you are afraid?
- Has anyone else helped you to overcome your fear? How?
- How can you help someone else that is struggling with fear?
- How would it feel to be free from fear?
- Who is the one who can set us free from fear, and how?
