
Fear operates because of a negative picture created in one’s mind; of failure, deviation from normalcy, of danger or possible harm. Fear elicits negative emotions that alters and destabilizes a person’s prior peaceful state. The uncertainty, possibility of failure or harm created by fear if not addressed can cripple someone.
Following Jesus’ command, Peter actually walked on water. However he began to sink as the moment he considered the boisterous wind around him. Not that the wind suddenly became boisterous after Peter stepped into the water, no, there was already a storm brooding before Peter stepped on the water. As long as Peter held on to Jesus command to ‘come’ and kept his eyes on Jesus, he continued to walk on water. But then for a brief moment, his attention shifted to the boisterous sea; and immediately Peter began to sink.
What happened to Peter? A negative picture of impossibility, failure and possible harm suddenly replaced the confident believe and resolve he had before stepping onto the sea.
For a Christian, it’s important to always remember the primary composition of man from God’s standpoint. Man is a spirit, he has a soul and lives in a body. The spirit is the main essence of man- the part that was recreated at the new birth and the part that communicates with God. The soul consists of the mind, will and emotions, while the body houses the spirit and the activities of the soul. It’s important to understand that fear operates completely at the soul level (mind, will and emotions). The thoughts that follow the picture eliciting fear arises from the mind, causing negative emotions which have the capacity to influence one’s actions (will).
This understanding of the 3-part nature of man, is helpful for effectively tackling fear- at the level of the mind, emotions or will.
Get Rid of Fear Now
Fear can be tackled as it begins to build in the mind by choosing to focus on a different (positive) picture than the one offered by fear. Another important point to neutralize fear is to Act Contrary to fearful thoughts despite the unpleasant and destabilizing feelings and emotions the fearful pictures may have created.
Peter must have recovered from his fears and walked alongside Jesus back to shore- walking on water.
When a ruler of the synagogue came to Jesus asking him to come to his house in order to heal his 12 year old daughter, Jesus obliged him. However as they were on their way, the woman with the issue of interruption Jesus to take her own healing. While that was also necessary, it caused a delay, within which time, the daughter of the ruler died.
Now, Jesus’ words to the ruler gives us the most effective remedy for fear- “Believe Only!”
“But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.”
Luke 8:50 KJV
“Fear Not: Believe Only”
This sentence tells me 3 things about how to tackle fear
- Fear and Believe can be present at same time.
- We have to make a choice whether to fear or to believe
- ‘Believing’ is Jesus’ key recommendation for getting rid of fear
What Exactly Does It Mean To Believe?
‘Believe’ from the Marian Webster dictionary means to- “accept as true, hold an opinion, or have faith/confidence in someone or something”.
Biblically believe can be used interchangeably with the word faith. Faith is a confident assurance based on the Word of God and irrespective of other prevailing circumstances. Faith is assured of things that are intangible and not physical (Hebrews 11:1; John 20:29). Faith speaks the invisible as reality (Genesis 1:1-3). Believe or faith is not seen unless spoken of or acted out.
So when Jesus said to ruler “Believe only”, He was saying
- Irrespective of the bad news about your daughter’s death, choose to remain assured and confident that I (Jesus) can still bring her back to life.
- Speak your believe
- Act in accordance with your believe.
Friends, this is how to get rid of fear- replace the picture created by fear with a confident believe in the ability of God.
Learn More About FAITH in this simple but powerful series…
https://youtu.be/gZZoCPSORjA?si=wCknrsBIF7C8SEVl
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Blessings and Love Always!









