The Antidote to Fear

“But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” (Mark 5:36)

Background text: Jairus, one of the synagogue officials, begged Jesus to come with him because his daughter in the brink of death. On the way, some synagogue officials met with them and told him not to bother Jesus anymore because it’s too late. His daughter died. Jesus said the verse above, proceeded to go to Jairus’ house and brought his daughter back to life.

The verse struck me because Jesus explicitly pointed out how fear can hinder our ability to believe. Fear has a crippling effect on our soul. It clouds our emotions and judgments enough to paralyze us… or worse make us think otherwise. Maybe that’s why the Bible is filled with “fear nots” and “be courageous”. Fear is an emotion to be reckoned with and if not kept in its place, will push us into actions that will block our faith.

Perfect Love casts out fear.

So I decided to write down the things I fear the most. The funny thing was, as soon as I started writing them down, God’s promises come to mind. Scared of the future? “For I know the plans I have for You…” (Jer 29:11). Scared of failure? “Commit your way to the Lord.. He will do this.” (Ps 37:5). Fear of not being good enough? “My power is perfected in weakness…” (2 Cor 12:9). Fear of not having financial security? “You shall remember the Lord your God… who is giving you power to make wealth.” (Deut 8:18). Fear of not being able to fulfill your dreams? “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Ps 37:4). And the list goes on…

What are you afraid of? The first step is to identify them and then bring them to God by looking up His promises in His Word. For me that meant having a stack of cards where I wrote down everything He had promised me during my quiet times with Him. I go to them when I feel like my faith is being shaken. When there’s a looming feeling of fear about to crush you, you just have to remind your soul what you believe in your heart to be true in the first place.