Two areas of concern when it comes to fear is - Fear of the outside and fear of being institutionalized.
Fear in general, is an emotion which can warn us when we are in danger. It can help us to confront that danger or to get away from it. If we let fear control us, we can get stuck. So, it is just like with anger, it is what we do with our fear that is the issue.
Let's look at the fear that the first followers of Jesus Christ had. When Jesus was taken into custody, these fearful men ran from Him. After Christ's death, they huddled together behind locked doors because they were afraid. Read John 20:19. But when the Holy Spirit came to live in them, they received the power to go on to build the Christian church. This power also resulted in the courage to face prison and death for Christ's sake (Boiled in oil, cut in half, crucified upside down, beheaded, stabbed by spear or sword). YOU HAVE THAT SAME HOLY SPPIRIT LIVING IN YOU! Read John 14: 16-17.
We fear what we don't know, not what we do know. We need to know these things about our God - He is all knowing, all powerful, all seeing, all hearing, everywhere at once, and we are His children. He loves us and has saved us to be with Him for eternity. Therefore, He will make all things work out for our good in the end. Read Romans 8:28. The thing for us to know is just how we are going to be spending each day. We also need to know how to prepare ourselves for transition to the outside.
As Christians we have what it takes to overcome our fears. Christianity is not a religion of wimps, but rather of real men given power by God. All we need to do is plug into that power. Memorize this scripture from the Old Testament by King David who said, "I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4.
Scriptures to study when you are fearful -
Worried - Philippians 4.
Anxious - Philippians 4: 6-7; 2 Timothy 1:7.
Needing Courage - Joshua 1.
God's protection - Psalm 31: 1-3; Psalm 27.
Angel's protection - Psalm 34: 1-9.
Fearful - Psalm 56: 3-4 and 11; Isaiah 43: 5; 1 John 4: 16-18.
Feeling weak - 2 Corinthians 12: 9.
When in trouble - Hebrews 11; Proverbs 3: 5-6; 2 timothy 1:7.
It can be scary to think of going back outside. The world expects you to function successfully. But you know even though you are inside and your daily life is controlled, you still have to budget your money, deal with your family through phone calls and letters, and if you have a job, you still have to get to work on time. The discipline you learn now while in prison can be used as a training ground for life outside. This discipline can equip you for handling more money, responsibility, and freedom when you get out. Don't let the fear of the outside keep you inside. Start making plans for the outside now, and it will be easier for you when you get out. These plans may include where you are going to live, what church you will be attending, looking into recovery groups, what job am I going to be doing, etc.
Remember that Jesus has promised that no one will snatch you out of God's hand. Read John 10: 29. God's grip is loose, but His hand is deeply cupped around you in such a way that you can't easily fall out to your destruction. He will however allow room for you to grow. You may make some mistakes once you are back in the free world, but God won't ever drop you or allow Satan to drag you from His grasp.
FEAR OF BEING INSTITUTIONALIZED
This is an important fear to pay attention to. It is a warning. It can help you keep from getting too comfortable while you are licked up. If you feel that you are becoming institutionalized, focus instead on your new life in Christ and your transition to the outside. Read the Word of God, pray, seek out Bible Study material, attend Chapel and Sunday services, and any other service that is available that will help you in any way. Put your faith in God and the process He is taking you through. Your faith will drive out your fear and move you forward. The Holy spirit came to live with you when you accepted the Lord into your life. Read Romans 8:9, and 1 Corinthians 3:16. If you listen to the Holy Spirit's quiet voice, He will drive away any fears that you may have. The Holy Spirit will also give you power and teach you to live this new life- both in and out of prison. Whenever you are afraid, trust in God. Read Psalm 56: 3. Remember, God tells us that He knows what He has planned for us - plans that are good, not plans that are bad. Jeremiah 29: 11.
Think about this old saying - Fear knocked and faith answered and there was nobody there.
Sexual Pressures
You do not have to be a victim to sexual pressure while in prison. God will give you the strength to handle any situation. Read Philippians 4:13. You must not give into the enormous fear that can be created by homosexuals and predators. If you have ever participated in such behavior, QUIT. Once you handle this issue, then as a Christian in prison you are under no more sexual pressure than a single Christian on the outside. The Bible forbids fornication, adultery, homosexuality, incest, bestiality, and all forms of sexual immorality. We are to flee sexual immorality. Read 1 Corinthians 6: 18- 20, and 1 Thessalonians 4:3. And keep from associating with sexually immoral people. 1 Corinthians 5:9.
Not all prisons allow conjugal visits for married inmates. For those that are married that certainly would be the most desirable situation. If you are in an institution that does not allow conjugal visits, you have the same problem as the single inmate and the same as any unmarried Christian on the outside. The Bible is clear about forbidding fornication and adultery. Scripture does not mention the subject of masturbation.
The Bible does however deal with self-control. Read Galatians 5: 22-23; 2 Peter 1: 5-11. It says that if you cannot control your sexual passions it is better that you marry. Read 1 Corinthians 7:9. This will have to wait until you get out. In the meantime, ask god every day to help you keep your sexual passions under control. Scriptures teach us not to have sex until marriage. It takes a real man to keep his lust under control.
We are all one in Christ. Read Galatians 3: 26-28. God loves us all. There is no place for racism in the kingdom of God. A racist Christian is just an immature Christian. Don't be one!
One way to tell that a Christian is mature is that they are not racially or culturally prejudiced. Be aware that the secular world still has many racists (of all colors) and the situation isn't getting any better. Read Revelation 7:9. Our love we experience in Christ causes us to see all people in a new way, as brothers and sisters. Read the story about the Samaritan woman and Jesus in John 4:9.
Christians need to be healers and peacemakers in this world of violence. Be at peace with all. Read Romans 12:18.