Fear. There is no shortage of memes in my social media feeds on this topic. Every day, I see words and graphics reminding me to not be afraid.

But it creeps in. It will sit in my mind like a small crumb, which gets stuck in my gum. You know the crumb I am talking about. The one that is impossible to get out with your tongue so you rinse, you brush, and floss until it finally comes free.

Fear is much like the crumb, sitting in my mind, nagging and annoying at me. Nipping at my thoughts.

Logic can go out the window.

One day Jesus got into a boat, His disciples on board, and started across the lake. While out on the lake, a storm struck with waves breaking into the boat. Jesus was asleep and the disciples began shouting to Him, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
(Matthew 8:25, NLT)

There were several fishermen by trade on the boat that day. Surely storms were not unfamiliar to them. But they forgot ….

Our God rules the oceans. (Psalm 89:9)
Our God has a mighty arm. (Psalm 89:10)
He quiets oceans. (Psalm 65:7)
He saves His people from their distress. (Psalm 107:26)
He brings us safely into harbor. (Psalm 107:30)

And we forget as well.

Fear looms bigger than life in our minds, temporarily causing us to forget the many times God has saved us.

“Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!”
(Matthew 8:26, NLT)

These men, who had professed their faith in Jesus, witnessed His power, seen Him perform miracles, and yet, they still panicked. They had entrusted their lives to him but still fell short in depending on Him for protection and deliverance. They had followed Jesus into the boat with no apprehension.

Did they not think He could keep them safe even there?

And no matter the “storm” any of us face, we have His promise, His Word:

“So be strong and courageous! DoÂ not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NLT))

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:20, NLT)

Jesus is with you.
Personally.
Be sure of it!

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8 Comments

Lisa notes... on October 15, 2015 at 11:44 am

I have some crazy fears, most of them totally irrational, so I relate to this. It is a comfort knowing that God has it ALL though! Thanks for encouraging me today, Joanne.
- joanneviola on October 19, 2015 at 5:02 pm
  
  Lisa, I so want to remember that God is with me EVEN there, wherever that may be 🙂
Karen Del Tatto on October 15, 2015 at 5:12 pm

This seems to be my lesson this week, and quite timely actually. Every blog post I am led to read and even my devotional this morning, has been a reminder to remember all that the Lord has ALREADY done in my life to draw strength from for what is before us knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Thanks for the encouraging word. 🙂
- joanneviola on October 19, 2015 at 5:03 pm
  
  Grateful you were encouraged, Karen. May we remember there is no where we can go that we are ever, ever apart from Him.
Natalie Ogbourne on October 15, 2015 at 11:21 pm

So grateful that he goes before us–before me–and so thankful for these reminders.
- joanneviola on October 19, 2015 at 5:03 pm
  
  Me too, Natalie. I am so grateful that He is before us & also our rear guard 🙂
Natalie on October 15, 2015 at 11:31 pm

Will personally go ahead…So thankful for this reminder today.
- joanneviola on October 19, 2015 at 5:04 pm
  
  Yes! the word “personally” is what so struck me as well 🙂