Why Are You So Afraid?

Bible Reading: Mark 4:35-4

Lightning flashed and thunder boomed, rattling the house and flooding the living room with flashes of light. Moments later, there was a thud of feet hitting the floor, followed by quick footsteps. Mom looked up from the sofa to see six-year-old Matthew standing outside his bedroom door, his face filled with fear. Mom opened her arms, and Matthew raced into her embrace, burying his head in her arm.

“Is the thunder and lightning scaring you?” Mom asked in a quiet voice.

Matthew nodded his still-buried head, and his whole body trembled.

“You know, Matthew, when I was a little girl, I was afraid of thunderstorms too.”

Matthew peeked his eyes out from his hiding place. “Really?” he asked in a tiny whisper.

“Really,” Mom replied. “Do you remember the story from Sunday school about the disciples who were in the boat with Jesus when a horrible storm came upon them?”

Matthew looked up at his mother with wide eyes. “Yes, Mommy! The storm was so big, and the disciples were very scared—just like me!”

“Do you remember what Jesus was doing in the storm?” Mom asked.

Matthew nodded. “He was sleeping because He wasn’t afraid. But the disciples were super scared, and so they woke Jesus up! Then Jesus told the storm to stop, and it did!”

“Do you remember what Jesus said when the disciples woke Him up?” Mom asked. Matthew shook his head, so Mom continued. “He said, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ Matthew, even the wind and waves obey Jesus, because He created them! He is powerful, and He’s always with those who trust in Him, just like He was with the disciples. When we feel afraid, we need to have faith that He will take care of us.”

“I think I’m ready to go back to bed now, Mommy,” Matthew said. He reached for his mother’s hand and led her down the hallway to his bedroom.

“Are you sure? The storm isn’t finished yet,” Mom replied.

“It’s okay. If the disciples didn’t need to be afraid in the storm, then I don’t need be afraid either.”

Mother smiled as she tucked Matthew snuggly into his bed. “Good night, Matty-bear.”

“Good night, Mommy. Good night, Jesus,” Matthew whispered and closed his eyes.

-Jillian Ursu

How About You?

Do you feel afraid when lightning flashes and thunder rumbles? Or maybe it’s another kind of storm that’s filling you with fear—a life-storm like a parent losing their job or someone you love being sick. Jesus has power over the wind and waves, and He’s in control of your situation too. Even when bad things happen, He is with you. When you feel afraid, trust Him to take care of you.

Today’s Key Verse: Mark 4:39 [Jesus] got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Trust Jesus when you’re afraid