I’m slowly making my way through the Gospels via the Word on Fire bible.
I’ve read the Gospels before, but it’s been a while since I did a cover-to-cover. And lately when I have read excerpts, it’s via the Verbum app electronically. The Word is the Word, or so I thought, but I’m honestly surprised at how pleasant it is to actually touch a book, and also what a difference having a beautifully bound book with nice spacing and font makes the reading experience.
Ok that’s a sidebar though. I’m reading through Mark today and just had to reflect on Mark 5:36 for a moment. The context is Jairus’ daughter being sick and Jairus asking for a healing. Then word comes that his daughter is dead.
I can only slightly imagine Jairus, a synagogue leader, who took this Hail Mary (#SeeWhatIDidThere) pass at going to Jesus for a healing, thinking, “Dang, I’m too late” at the news.
But then I see Jesus, unwavering in the storm (a nice comparison to His literal peace in the storm a chapter prior), looking Jairus straight in the eyes, steadying him with His presence and saying:
Do not fear, only believe.
Jesus – Mark 5:36
It’s almost like a dare. “I dare you, Jairus, to suspend your rational thoughts which have led you to fear, and believe.” I closed my eyes and imagined Jesus steadying me with His hands on my shoulders and saying those same words to me, “Maria — do not fear, only believe!”
There is a lot out there to be afraid of. The top of my list are: death, loss of a loved one, separation from a loved one, paid… And then add the abnormal stressors of the current day, including the resurgence of Covid, and the ridiculous gun violence in the country, and it seems like a recipe for a veritable fear buffet.
But fear is not the answer. Rationally, I believe that (how’s that for a pseudo-oxymoron). My rational brain has to remind my emotional self of this fact.
Fear can not reside where there is 100% trust in God. Why? Because with 100% trust in God, there is nothing to be afraid of. As Psalm 27 states:
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?”
It’s very rare that I find myself in the 100% trust in God. When I am there, I am unwavering. Nothing can disturb my peace. Usually I find myself there right before I fall asleep when the “worrying” part of my brain has shut off!
But believing and trusting over fear is a lifelong pursuit, and a worthy one. In a state of pure belief (and trust), we are freed from any fear because fear gives power and control to something other than God.
May we grow every day to let belief and trust overcome fear. May we pray and say with confidence, whatever comes upon me, Blessed be the name of God!