What to do when an ocean of fear surrounds you?

Fear is like an ocean that seeks to sweep us away under its waves and draw us into the depths of despair. David himself knew fear.

Because of the voice of the enemy and the oppression of the wicked. For they bring misfortune upon me, And pursue me in anger. My heart trembles within me, and the terrors of death overtake me. Fear and dread assail me, and the shiver envelops me. - Psalm 55:4-6

As Christians, we are called to find peace in Jesus, but sometimes the storm of fear, of anguish, of doubt takes hold of us, and it becomes difficult to see the outcome. The Bible tells of other men and women of God experiencing these devastating emotions. David, Noah, John knew fear, Elijah and Jeremiah, anguish, Jonah, frustration, Moses, exhaustion... We are not the first to struggle with our doubts, whereas the Bible teaches us about of this fight, sometimes legitimate in our lives? What to do when difficulties accumulate and obstruct our horizon?

Take refuge in the ark

The flood was forty days on the earth. The waters increased and lifted up the ark, and it rose above the earth. The waters increased and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the face of the waters. The waters grew bigger and bigger, and all the high mountains that are under the whole sky were covered. - Genesis 7:17-19

Noah's ark was built for salvation. When the storm started to rage, Noah and his family were able to find refuge there. They were safe despite the surrounding danger, aware of being fully in God's plan.

Just as the ark was an instrument of salvation for Noah, our salvation is now in Jesus. He is your refuge. When the storm rages around you, seek refuge in Jesus. He is faithful.

Rely on the authority of Jesus

When the disciples were on the lake in the midst of the storm, Jesus was resting. The disciples were trembling, but Jesus stood up and spoke to the storm calmly and with authority. Calm then returned to the waters and to the hearts of the disciples.

Wait in silence for the help of the Lord, he has all the authority to act in your favor and bless you beyond your hope.

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! - Romans 16:20

Get out of the boat

Peter answered him, Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters. And he said: Come! Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water to go to Jesus. - Matthew 14:28-29

Once again, the disciples were curled up in fear. Yet they lived as close as possible to Jesus, but they felt fear. Their fear even intensified when they saw Jesus walking on water. They were upset in their habits and their certainties, but this is the means that Jesus chose for them that day.

One of them had the audacity to seize the hand of Jesus. Pierre got out of the boat and walked on the water, before being overcome again by fear and sinking. But in his grace Jesus came to his aid.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. You can take refuge in him, wait for his help, and grab his hand. He will grant you His grace and His peace.

Writing

source: Crosswalk