“But He said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid! ” Then they were willing to take Him on board, and at once the boat was at the shore where they were heading.”, John 6:20-21 HCSB
I am realizing more and more that the things that seem to bother me the most are rooted in fear. I don’t know if we realize this all the time but fear feels terrible. Often, when we are bothered by something, we are feeling fear. For me, when I am feeling guilty about decisions I make (and make day after day) that are not specifically addressed in the scriptures (the specific choices I have to make), what it comes down to is that I am afraid of displeasing God and ultimately (if I am gut level honest) I am afraid of going to hell. Anxiety is fueled by fear.
Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid because they were not seeing a ghost or something but they were seeing Him. After they stopped being afraid, they were willing to take Jesus on board with them. I need to take Jesus on board in every area of my life so He can help me not be afraid of the billions of things I am afraid of.
“Be gracious to me, God, for man tramples me; he fights and oppresses me all day long. My adversaries trample me all day, for many arrogantly fight against me. When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me? They twist my words all day long; all their thoughts against me are evil. They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps while they wait to take my life. Will they escape in spite of such sin? God, bring down the nations in wrath. You Yourself have recorded my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your records? Then my enemies will retreat on the day when I call. **This I know: God is for me**. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me? I am obligated by vows to You, God; I will make my thank offerings to You. For You delivered me from death, even my feet from stumbling, to walk before God in the light of life.”, Psalms 56:1-13 HCSB