Fear rarely announces itself. If it did, we wouldn’t want anything to do with it. But sometimes fear hides underneath control. Underneath hurry. Overthinking. Fear can hide underneath the need to keep everyone safe and everything predictable. Take a quiet inventory…has fear shaped any of your choices lately?

The next time you sense fear behind something, remember the story of Jesus in Mark 4. He and his disciples were on a boat in the middle of a storm. The disciples were afraid they might die. Jesus stands up and tells the storm, “Silence! Be still.” Then there was peace. But then he asked his friends, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40). 

Jesus doesn’t pretend that fear isn’t real. He doesn’t shame you if you’re feeling afraid, either. Just like in the middle of that storm, Jesus is with you now and reminds you that fear is not more powerful than Him. 

Take one more quiet moment. Where do you need to hear Jesus say, “Peace. Be still.” Jesus is more present and powerful than any fear in your life.