How do I overcome fear? Many ask this question. We live in a time where there is much chaos in the world. The battle between good and evil seems to be right on the surface. The good news is as we seek the Lord, He will help us overcome our fears with His guidance, direction, and peace.
The Disciples were Fearful
We may think the disciples were fearless as they went about their ministry because they were with Jesus. But this is not true, and they needed to look to Jesus just like we do. Mark 4:38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” 39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” [1]
Admit Your Fears and Go to God in Prayer
When we are honest about a source of worry or fear, we can bring that concern to God. The Lord is always there to listen as we pour out our hearts to Him. Psalm 34:4I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. [2]
Jesus came to set the captives free, and He wants to set you free from fear. Paul continues to give us insight into how the power of prayer frees us from fear. Philippians 4:6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then, you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. [3]
Prayer involves speaking or journaling to God in an honest, heartfelt manner. Paul knew that the more time we spend with God, the bigger He becomes. And the bigger He becomes, the smaller our problems seem.
Give Thanks for Answered Prayers
In my life, I have found that it is impossible to feel truly thankful and dissatisfied at the same time. Something extraordinary occurs when we give thanks, especially when we may not feel grateful. Stress, worry, and anxiety rob us of joy as they focus our hearts and minds on what we are fearful of, wrong, or missing. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [4]
How do I overcome fear? To find out, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-jesus-calms-the-storm
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation Tyndale House Publishers.