Don't Be Afraid
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
23 After Jesus left in a boat with his disciples, 24 a terrible storm suddenly struck the lake, and waves started splashing into their boat. Jesus was sound asleep, 25 so the disciples went over to him and woke him up. They said, “Lord, wake up! Save us before we drown!” 26 But Jesus replied, “Why are you so afraid? You surely don't have much faith.” Then he got up and ordered the wind and the waves to calm down. And everything was calm. 27 The men in the boat were amazed and said, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him.”
Matthew 8:23-27
Memory Verse
Psalm 23:4
4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
One windy night John kept hearing a banging outside of his bedroom window. It scared him so much, he woke up his older brother and made him go outside and check it out. His brother came back, took John outside, and showed him that the wind was banging a tree branch against the wall outside of his bedroom. Now John knew he didn’t have to be afraid.
We have all felt afraid at times. Maybe like John or the disciples in Matthew 8, you got scared when there was a storm. Or perhaps you’ve been afraid you—or someone you love—might get sick. When we think about it, there are lots of things that can make us afraid.
But whenever we’re afraid or worried, it’s so important for us to remember that God is with us all the time. Jesus calmed the storm to assure his disciples that they didn’t need to be afraid in the boat. He was with them. In fact, throughout the Bible, God assures his people that we don’t need to be afraid because he is always with us. He promises to love us and never leave us.
The next time you feel scared, remember that God’s promises are greater than anything that makes you afraid. He is with you every step of the way, even in the scariest times.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you promise us that you are always with us. When we get afraid, help us to remember that promise. Thank you for loving us so much that you never leave us. Amen.Related Resources
Bret Lamsma
Bret Lamsma is the Director of Faith Formation at First Christian
Reformed Church in Denver, Colorado. He has also served churches in
California and Michigan. He has a passion for youth ministry and
intergenerational ministry in the local church. When he isn’t working at
church or writing he enjoys hanging out with his wife and 2 children,
hiking, woodworking, and watching movies.