Our Lord Jesus in the midst of the storm - Do not be afraid

The more time we spend in the presence of God and His word, the more our faith develops and our fear will diminish

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We all experience fear from time to time, in some cases fear can protect us, we are always told to use caution when crossing a busy road, we are told to keep from putting our hands on a hot stove and radiators, especially young children.

We are reminded to wear seatbelts when we are in cars. But fear turns into sin when we surrender to it. When fear becomes our daily master we are spiritually locked in a self imposed mindset prison. It constantly affects our relationship, our perceptions and even our health. When we allow fear to control us it deteriorates our relationship with God. God does not harshly chastise us for our fears, but redirects our attention of faith in Him.

God wants us to turn from our fear and instead embrace our faith in Him. God wants us to stop and see what has been feeding our fears - the people who influence us, the thought patterns we generate, or the ungodly goals we chase, turning away from them as we focus on Him.

In 2 Timothy 1:7 Paul reminds us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind". The spirit of fear is not from God. When we neglect our relationship with God, this spirit of fear can easily dominate our lives, but when we focus on the promises of God in His word, we can defeat that spirit of fear.

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Psalm 112:6-8 (Paraphrased) A righteous God-fearing life will lead to victory over sinful fear, surely He will never be shaken. A righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord his heart is secure. He will have no fear in the end, he will look in triumph on his enemies.

What we feed our minds and hearts will determine whether we live a life of faith or fear. Do we spend more time reading newspapers or watching television on the financial turbulence, natural disasters and crimes of this world, or do we focus on the means of our hope and salvation in the word of God? Do we spend more time listening to encouragement from Christians, or to pessimistic views of this world? The more time we spend in the presence of God and His word, the more our faith develops and our fear will diminish.

We read in Matthew 8:23-27 In the midst of a hostile storm, the fearful disciples woke Jesus. They were scared not only because the storm came on them in the darkest hour of night but also fear of losing their lives. Jesus not only calmed the storm, Jesus paused to challenge/rebuke the disciples. He was more concerned with their lack of faith in Him, than the tossing from the wind and waves. He knew the greater lesson would be learned in the midst of the storm before He stilled the waves.

What lesson was Jesus trying to teach? Faith in God conquers fear every time. The God who has redeemed us and cares for us, is trustworthy. Our creator God will never abandon us and He has our best interest at heart.

Psalm 46:1-5 God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed and though the mountain be carried in the midst of the sea. Though it's waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shakes with it's swelling. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the most high God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved, God shall help her just at the break of dawn.

Do you feel like you are drowning today? Maybe your savings are washed out, your relationship is sinking, or your health is failing. Yet God is in the midst of the storm with you. While Jesus has not promised us a life of smooth sailing, He promised that He will see us safely to the shore.  

Praise God today for His faithful love. Let us turn from our anxieties and dwell on the promises of God.

Author: Herbert Jean

May God bless and enrich your life

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