Today’s scripture: Matthew 8:23-27 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts:
Fear is a terrible experience, isn’t it? To fear is to suffer, whether it’s because of a real or merely perceived danger. It torments us, isolates us, and cuts us off from God’s goodness. If it prevails, it prevents us from living in the abundance that God desires. In this case, the disciples had a good reason to be afraid — they were in danger of drowning. But, there’s great news: God’s perfect love casts out fear!
I must confess that I’m an expert on fear (that is, if experiencing it gives me credibility!) Years ago I was stuck in great turmoil about my sexuality, thinking God didn’t approve of it and neither would people, if they knew. Fear plagued me to the point I was barely able to hold down a job and get through each day. During that time, I remember sitting with a group of people and being extremely afraid to get up off the couch. Maybe they’d think I didn’t like them, or was weird because I needed a break from the conversation. Or that I was separating myself from them in a big way by simply exiting to go to the bathroom (who said fear is logical?).
But, there’s good news — God’s love casts out fear — and when it does, it’s exhilarating! I’ve come out as a gay Christian. I’ve put up yard signs for justice, spoken at a funeral, and led an Oasis group for awhile. The only way I could have ever done these things is because God has led me through the fear and into faith! Think back to a time Jesus has helped you overcome fear. Didn’t it draw you closer to Him than you could have ever imagined?
Is fear always bad, though? I don’t think so. I remember many times when I’ve blindly made up my mind to do something wrong, and nothing was going to persuade me otherwise. Then I felt fear, which I think was about the only way the Spirit could intervene to try to communicate to me that I was on the wrong road. At other times, of course, fear can influence us to avoid the dangerous dog or whatever else is putting us in danger.
Could the disciples have been faithful instead of fearful when they were afraid for their lives on the boat? Hebrews 2:15 indicates yes, when it speaks of Jesus freeing those who all their lives were slaves to the fear of death. It’s possible we can reach the point that we can say, along with Romans 8:38, that death will not separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Thought for the day: My fears may return to torment me today, but opening myself to receive the love of Jesus — and then passing it along to others — will drive those fears away!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.