When Fear Takes Hold

READ: MATTHEW 6:25-34; MARK 4:35-41

"It’s scary.”

“How can I feel safe when all of these things keep happening on the news?”

“What if it happens here?”

“It’s not safe out there. Maybe I should just stay home.”

These are all things we begin to think when fear takes hold. And we’re not the only ones. Jesus’ disciples had a moment when fear was all they saw too.

The storm was raging around their tiny little fishing boat. And what was their Teacher doing? SLEEPING!

The disciples had watched Jesus heal incurable diseases and go toe-to-toe with the religious leaders of the time. But now, in the midst of the storm, while they ran around trying to keep the vessel above water, they said, “Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?” (Mark 4:38). They were so afraid that they forgot that Jesus had called each of them by name (Matthew 4:18-22). When fear took hold, all they saw was the storm.

With just a few words, Jesus calmed the storm. He asked His disciples, “Why are you afraid?” (Mark 4:40). In that moment, the words of His Sermon on the Mount may have echoed in their ears: “Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

So, when fear takes hold, know that Jesus is the sovereign God in control of even the wind and waves. He is the One who is always with us (Matthew 28:20). And He is the One who promises to one day destroy all that is fearful (Revelation 21:1-5). • Kristi Dennis

• When was the last time fear took hold of you? How did you respond?

• If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are one of God’s people, who He promises to care and provide for. What are some examples of God’s provision and faithfulness in your own life? What about from history (Hebrews 11:1–12:3)?

• How can you focus on Jesus—and His promises to make all things new—the next time fear tries to take hold?

Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Matthew 6:26 (CSB)