Scripture

Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Observation

After the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus sends the disciples away on a boat and He dismisses the rest of the crowd to go home. Then He goes up to the mountains to pray.

On the lake, the disciples are overtaken by a storm. Jesus comes to them walking on the water. At first, they think it is a ghost, but Jesus tells them not to be afraid.

Peter calls out, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus does this, and Peter walks towards Him on the water. Peter wavers in his faith and begins to sink, but Jesus rescues Him.

They continue on, and when the people of Gennesaret recognise Jesus, they bring all their sick to be healed.

Application

Fear sneaks up on us from all directions, and it is easy to be overwhelmed if we let it get to us.

When I was in Theological College, I used to become physically sick every weekend. After ruling out physical causes, I realised that it was all due to anxiety. Naming the root cause and confessing it stopped the weekend sickness.

Psalm 91 says that if we dwell in the shelter of the Most High God, we will find rest. He promises to rescue us so that no fear, dread or anxiety can overcome us.

“Do not be afraid” is a command. “Fear not” is how the older translations put it. It is a command that we redirect our attention away from the threat and towards the Saviour, from the thing that we fear and to the God who is our hope and our redeemer.

Prayer

Father, I confess my fear to you today. I come to you, my refuge and fortress, and I put my trust in you. Amen.