Gripping Jesus Instead of Fear

Fear can be a silent creeper that works its way into your mind and heart. It slowly takes control over your thoughts and becomes your idol.

That is an intense couple of sentences, but it’s true. It’s happened in my life in many areas and I’m sure in yours as well. It’s what leads you into despair and tries to steal joy from life’s celebrations. Calling fear into light is the beginning to freedom from it. Like an addiction, it takes realizing it is a problem to begin the healing journey of giving the Lord reign over the areas fear has consumed and breaking free from the bondage it has chained you to.

Humanity craves independence. We want power and control. So, what happens when circumstances threaten the security we have on something?

Here are some examples:

We want control of our finances. What if an emergency happens and suddenly leaves you thousands of dollars short? You begin to fear poverty, bankruptcy, or never being able to get back to a safe place.  

What if the doctor doesn’t know what’s making you sick? Your mind questions the unknowns and leads you to fear that you’re going to die or live with a disturbing chronic illness.

Your parents begin to fight and you fear they’ll get a divorce

Your boyfriend/girlfriend or worse, your spouse, ends the relationship and you have no idea how you’re going to move on from that?

All of these scenarios happen frequently to people. You fear them happening to you and you have no idea how you’d survive one if not all of them. You try to hold tightly to relationships, to money, and/or to your health, thinking that the more you invest in them, the less chances that those fears will come true.

Investing in all of these to a certain degree is important and something you’re called to do. But it’s not everything. People will move on or pass away. Money will come and go. Health is never guaranteed. You cannot grip any of these for life. But you can hold onto the Hand that holds the world.

Jesus is the only thing that you can grip onto and never let go. “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.” John 10:28

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19a. Jesus, by the power and saving grace of His death and resurrection, has allowed us to hold securely to the hope of eternity with Him. We do not need to be tossed around by fear. We can be anchored safely to the One thing that never changes.

We are called to have open hands and willing hearts. People and things come and go throughout our entire lives. Jobs change. People move. Sickness comes. Lives are born and lost. Seasons come and go. But through it all, Christ, our Solid Rock, is firm. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8. What great peace and hope we can find in that. He is a pillar, a firm foundation.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are protected.”
Proverbs 18:10

So, when fear tries to creep up and steal your peace, speak Jesus’ truth over it. Remember who made the world and you. Memorize Scripture and claim His truth over your circumstances. Though they may not change, He will help you change in order to handle them.

“No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13

The Lord will always provide a way of escape, that even includes with fear. Hold onto the immovable, unshakable, everlasting God. He is with you and He is greater than any fear that tries to control you.