Don’t be afraid. Only believe. (Mk 5:36)
We are fearful people and God knows it. For that reason, He addressed fear hundreds of times in Scripture.
There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. (1 Jn 4:18)
Our punishment was taken away due to Christ’s love for us, via His sacrificial death, as Scripture specifically states, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isa 53:5) – so why do we still fear?
A key cure to fear is trusting in God:
When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. (Ps 56:3-4)
I know that sounds simple and easy, but we all know it isn’t. The good news is that if we deal with fear properly, we can grow as believers. Fear is your opportunity to stretch and mature your faith by trusting in God:
But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” (Mt 8:26)
As you trust God in scary situations you should no longer be afraid when that same situation comes up again. Faith builds faith.
The key is remaining in faith and trusting in God during frightening situations. Christ-followers must have our minds and attention placed on Him instead of what is making you afraid. To help you get focused on God, think about all He’s done in Scripture and all that He’s already done in your life. Think about all the difficult times He’s gotten you through, all the things that turned out okay after all, the bad things that never happened even though you were afraid they would. Remember the Lord and what He’s already done to trust in Him.
There’s a section in the book of Mark where Jesus launched a bunch of questions at the Apostles to get them thinking spiritually and examining themselves:
They were discussing among themselves that they did not have any bread. Aware of this, He said to them, “Why are you discussing that you do not have any bread? Don’t you understand or comprehend? Is your heart hardened? Do you have eyes, and not see, and do you have ears, and not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the 5,000, how many baskets full of pieces of bread did you collect?” “Twelve,” they told Him. “When I broke the seven loaves for the 4,000, how many large baskets full of pieces of bread did you collect?” “Seven,” they said. And He said to them, “Don’t you understand yet?” (Mk 8:16-21)
In context, the Apostles were thinking carnally instead of spiritually at the time. Jesus peppered them with these questions to get them thinking spiritually and to get them to probe themselves so that they would think correctly.
Well, when we are afraid, we are thinking carnally and not spiritually also. Let’s take the questions Jesus asked them and rephrase them a bit for you to ponder when you are afraid of something. When you are afraid, ask yourself:
– Why are you fearful about this situation?
– Don’t you understand or comprehend that everything that happens in your life is in God’s hand?
– Is your heart hardened so that you can’t think spiritually and trust Him?
– Don’t you remember everything the Lord has done for you already and how much He loves you?
– When you went through ___________, what did the Lord accomplish?
– Don’t you understand yet that it will be okay?
Romans 8:28 tells us that God works everything out to the good for His children – and that includes you going through scary situations. As you overcome fear with faith God, you will be glorified and you will grow in your faith, becoming more like Christ.
Replace fear with faith. Trust the Lord when you are afraid. Think spiritually. Focus on Him instead of what is making you afraid. Remember what He has done.
Don’t be afraid.
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world. (Jn 16:33)
Think about it…
How do you handle fear?
Do you think spiritually? Do you focus on what’s making you afraid or do you turn your attention to the Lord?
If you struggle with focusing and trusting in the Lord when you are afraid, try asking yourself these questions to get focused on Him:
– Why are you fearful about this situation?
– Don’t you understand or comprehend that everything that happens in your life is in God’s hand?
– Is your heart so hardened that you can’t think spiritually and trust Him?
– Don’t you remember everything the Lord has done for you already and how much He loves you?
– When you went through ___________, what did the Lord accomplish?
– Don’t you understand yet that it will be okay?
Don’t be afraid. Only believe. (Mk 5:36)
When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. (Ps 56:3-4)
