Why Are You Afraid?
Fear. Some of us wrestle with it more than others, but it’s a pretty universal experience. Remember being afraid of the dark as a kid?
At the heart of fear lies a dreaded sense of vulnerability. We’re mortal beings in a world riddled with violence, mockery, rejection, threats, and the inevitability of death.
At the heart of fear lies a dreaded sense of vulnerability.
Fear really kicks in when we don’t understand what’s going on and have no control over the outcome. Like the panic we feel when an elevator suddenly drops—your heart rate spikes, even though it came to a stop.
In the Gospel of Mark, a violent storm threatened to sink the disciples’ boat and take their lives.
As they struggle against the waves, they cry out, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). This question resonates with us when our circumstances question if God cares about our struggles.
Before Jesus calmed the storm, He was right there with the disciples. Jesus didn’t have to calm the storm to show His love; His very presence with them was enough. This is a truth we need to hold onto: God’s love is not conditional on our circumstances being resolved in our timing and our way.
When fear grips us and nothing changes—whether we fear loss, failure, rejection, poverty, or even death—we can often feel abandoned. But the reality is that Jesus cares deeply, beyond our understanding. The cross should silence any lingering doubts.
But the reality is that Jesus cares deeply, beyond our understanding. The cross should silence any lingering doubts.
When we face our storms, the challenge is to bring our fears to Jesus rather than allowing them to lead us into doubt. The disciples woke Jesus, acknowledging their fear. They took their storm to Him. In our moments of anxiety, we can cry out to Him, too. Even if our prayer is as simple as, “Don’t You care?” it’s a step towards building trust.
Jesus asks us, “Why are you afraid?” (Mark 4:40). He’s not belittling our fears; He’s inviting us to explore why we let our circumstances overshadow His love and care. His question is: “Why did this storm—and My delay—cause you to doubt My love for you?” It’s an invitation to deepen our faith.
His question is: “Why did this storm—and My delay—cause you to doubt My love for you?” It’s an invitation to deepen our faith.
When Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples were awestruck. Their fear transformed from a natural fear of the storm to an awestruck wonder and holy fear for Christ. In our lives, we can shift our perspective from fearing the storms around us to recognizing the power of the One who is with us in the storm.
Fear can warn us of danger; that’s its superpower. But when it offers solutions—that’s where it often fails us. I.e., fear warns of problems, but it rarely recommends wise solutions.
Fear warns of problems, but it rarely recommends wise solutions.
We have to acknowledge our fears but not let them dictate our actions. Instead, we can bring our fears to Jesus, trusting in Him and His promises. Throughout the Bible, the biggest antidote to fear is the assurance that Christ is with you.
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. 4 In God, whose word I praise,…
Whether we face illness, financial struggles, or the fear of loss, we can trust that Jesus is with us. His love is unchanging, and His authority is absolute.
So whatever storm you’re facing, don’t question if God cares—He’s already proven that at the cross. The Son of God took our place and faced the ultimate storm—death itself—and emerged victorious.
So whatever storm you’re facing, don’t question if God cares—He’s already proven that at the cross. The Son of God took our place and faced the ultimate storm—death itself—and emerged victorious.
Even if the waves don’t stop crashing, He is right with you. Your storm’s got nothing on Him. Take His hand and find the courage you need to walk through it with Him to the other side.