How can I confront the sources of my fear?

Psalm 27:1-3The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.

Romans 8:31-32If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?

Fear can come from those who try to intimidate us. The Scriptures constantly remind us not to focus on the mortal creatures who threaten us but rather on our Creator who loves us. God is for us. Instead of fearing others, we can face them with courage and confidence because we know their limitations are no match for God’s power.

Matthew 14:25-31About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Because of his faith in Jesus, Peter was brave enough to step out into a stormy lake. But then he began to sink. Why? Peter turned his eyes to the wind and the storm rather than to Jesus standing tall above the waves. When we fix our eyes on God, we can be confident despite the raging of life’s storms.