A Prayer to Calm Your Fears
By Betsy de Cruz
“Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed.” – Mark 6:50b,51 (NIV)
As a child, I had to check under the bed several times each night to make absolutely sure no monsters lurked down there. Then as a teen, I could barely get into a swimming pool after seeing the movie Jaws. Because of potential sharks on the deep side of the pool.
Years later as an adult, I know enough not to fear monsters under the bed or sharks in a swimming pool; however, now I have more “real” fears to deal with. Like the problem that showed up on my credit report last week. After a sleepless night fearing someone had stolen my social security number, I learned it was a simple reporting error.
Fear might lurch our hearts into overdrive when we wonder how we’ll pay the bill or find a new job. Fear attacks our peace when a loved one has to go in for a skin cancer removal or when we’re dealing with a life-threatening illness. As parents, we worry about our kids. As children, we worry about our parents.
In the face of fear, we can take comfort in Jesus’ words to the disciples when he walked across the water to rescue them in the storm: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Mark 6:50b).
The disciples had been struggling several hours in the middle of the Sea of Galilee because a strong wind came against them. For reasons we don’t know, Jesus waited until early morning to walk out to them. They must have been scared out of their minds because when they saw Jesus, they thought he was a ghost! But when Jesus got into their boat, the wind ceased. His very presence calmed the storm.
What wind is coming against you today, my friend? Maybe you’re struggling against the wind of illness, unemployment, or conflict in your home. Perhaps you’re fearing the worst as winds of discouragement beat you down. Maybe you wonder why Jesus is taking so long to come and rescue you. May I encourage you to take heart? Jesus sees you.
How about inviting Jesus into your boat today? Invite him into your situation. Ask Jesus to come and be with you as you face the wind coming against you.
Take courage. Jesus is closer than you think. He can calm any fear.
Let’s pray:
Lord Jesus, I invite you into my life today. I give you control of my difficult situation. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, so I can take courage and not be afraid. Forgive me for worrying instead of trusting in your steadfast love and infinite power.
Calm the storm inside me and the winds coming against me. Help me today to remember you are with me. Show me step by step what to do in this situation, and when there is nothing I can do, help me to rest in you and trust your faithfulness.
I know you see me, and I invite you into my boat today. Jesus, I call on you to help me navigate my circumstances. I praise you for your great power to speak peace over my fears. I surrender every worry and concern to you. Instead of fearing the worst, I choose to trust you are working for my good. Fill me with faith and give me the grace I need.
In your powerful name I pray, Amen.
Betsy de Cruz helps overwhelmed women take small steps to invite more of God’s presence and power into their lives. Connect with Betsy to get your free Quiet Time Renewal Guide and other resources at FaithSpillingOver.com. Her book More of God is a distracted woman’s guide to more meaningful quiet times. After living in the Middle East for 16 years with her husband and two children, Betsy landed in Texas, where she still enjoys drinking chai with friends.
Editor's Note: The podcast audio player below is no longer synced up to the written devotional. Enjoy this additional prayer to start or end your day!
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Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
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