How to Overcome Fear?

But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mk 4:40)

Mark 4:37 reads, “and a great windstorm arose,” a storm so threatened their lives that the disciples asked their sleeping Master if He did not care that they perished. Some of life’s storms such as job loss, family illness or death, financial difficulty, accidents, or pestilence may come upon us suddenly. In the midst of a storm, we are scared and cry out to God. We pray earnestly but if God does not give any apparent response or delay His help, we may ask does Jesus care? With great fear, His disciples woke Jesus up and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” In our distress, we ask the same question, “Lord, do You not care my grief and my difficulty? I need Your help now.”

Jesus’ reply was: “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

When we can not hold on to the security of this world, we need to hold on to our faith. Faith must endure trials. You must trust when all else fails. When it is hopeless, remember what Jesus told Jairus, the father of the dead girl, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mk 5:36). But if you are still afraid, simply look up and say, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” as David did in Psalm 56:3.

When disturbing things come our way, remember to “take heed and be quiet.” The Lord assures us that “‘in returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’ But you would not” (Isa 30:15). Yes, indeed it is we who refuse, not God. The Lord is our strength, but it is up to us to find that strength through prayer and communion with God. God is always ready. Jesus took the lifeless girl’s hand and said, “Little girl, arise.” (Mk 5:41) The question is, are we ready to take His hand?

Do not look ahead to the changes and challenges of this life in fear. Instead, as they arise look at them with the full assurance that God will deliver you out of them. So hold His loving hand tightly and He will lead you safely through all things.

Do not look ahead to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you His unwavering strength that you may bear it. Be at peace then, and set aside all anxious thoughts and worries.

“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” (1 Pet 4:1-2)

Our fear of loss may be relieved if we are armed with the same attitude as Jesus Christ – a willingness to suffer. Some people are used to live in big houses or drive a nice cars. When they lose their jobs or businesses, they may use illegal methods to gain money to maintain their living standard–thus they sin against God because they are not willing to suffer. We need to adjust our lifestyle and living standard according to what we have and be content.

We may not necessarily suffer in our lives, but as Christians, we must have the willingness to suffer. This determination is a spiritual weapon, for it means that whether in prosperity or tribulation, we stand rooted, focused on the eternal. We are not afraid of present and momentary sufferings.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Phi 4:4). Don’t become discouraged. Always rejoice in the Lord, and He will be your source of strength to overcome any fear.