The Grip of Fear

“Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’

Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘You are certainly God’s Son!’” Matthew 14:22-33

We experience six basic fears:
1. Fear of poverty, lack of income, or the ability to meet basic needs.
2. Fear of death. It is unknown and uncontrollable.
3. Fear of ill health, sickness.
4. Fear of the loss of love or the lack of it.
5. Fear of old age and facing its uncertainty.
6. Fear of criticism or what others think or say.

Men who are frightened of God are disobedient in heart. How do you recover from the grip of fear? Take these steps:

1. Instantly redirect your gaze to God. The presence of God equals His power, and His power and presence overcome all difficulty or fear (Isaiah 41:10; 54:17).

2. Depend wholly on God. You cannot sink standing on the eternal rock, Christ Jesus (Matt. 14:31).


3. God could be using you to teach someone else a lesson about trusting Him.

Fear - let it fall before the presence of your loving Heavenly Father. Many people suffer from the feeling of fear, and fear that paralyzes keeps us from what God wants.