What do you do when your father is not afraid of what you’re scared of? That was a question our pastor asked us a couple of Sundays ago. Then he talked about one of my favorite stories in the gospels.
The story is about Jesus sleeping on a boat during a storm. The disciples were afraid they would drown so they woke up Jesus. He commanded the wind to be quiet and the waves to be still. Then the wind died down and there was complete calm.
Then Jesus asked the disciples, “Why are you so fearful? Do you still have no faith?” They were overwhelmed by fear and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and sea obey him!”
This story helps me during any storm (if I recall it) because it gives me confidence that with Jesus, I’ll make it through. He gives a peace that is beyond understanding. I can put my trust in God.
There’s good fear and then there’s bad fear. Good fear is a healthy respect and awe for something or someone. We take what we fear seriously. Bad fear is an extreme dread or terror for something or someone. We don’t move forward or grow because of false evidence appearing real.
In the beginning of the story, Jesus told His disciples that they were going to the other side of the lake. When the storm came, they forgot what Jesus said and saw the evidence that they would die in the storm. The disciples were full of fear and didn’t trust in what Jesus said earlier.
Jesus could sleep in the middle of the storm because He trusted in God’s plan for Him. He knew God wanted Him to die on the cross not in the lake. The disciples didn’t trust Jesus when He told them they would cross to the other side.
The disciples should have followed the tips from my previous post, “Facing Fear.” They should have smiled at the image of Jesus sleeping in the stern on a pillow while a storm was raging. They should have focused on what Jesus said to them. If He said they’ll go to the other side, then they’ll be sure to get there. It seems they must not have had confidence in Jesus yet.
The first step in dealing with fear is to know what you are afraid of. Is it good or bad? Is it helping you grow or keeping you stuck? Turn to God and ask to grow deeper or to get unstuck. He is willing and able!
Prayer
Almighty God in heaven,
Thank You for the stories of Your Son in the Gospels. Help us to learn from them and to become more like Your Son. May we have the faith to obey You when we are scared and uncomfortable.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Verses
Mark 4:35-41 Jesus sleeps on a boat during a storm
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled nor let it fear
Philippians 4:7 The peace of God that is beyond understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus
Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in You
Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the Lord leads to life bringing security and protection
2 Timothy 1:7 God didn’t give us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love and self-control
Deuteronomy 31:8 Don’t fear or be discouraged, the Lord goes before you
Hebrews 13:6 The Lord is my helper so I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Revelations: 2:10 Don’t fear what you are about to suffer
Lamentations 3:57 Lord, You came when I called, You said, “Do not fear”
Song
“Whom Shall I Fear” by Chris Tomlin is a song to remind us to fear the Lord, not anything nor anyone else.
Call To Action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then read the version of the story in Luke 8:22-25. Which version do you like best?