“And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.” ((Mark 5:22-23; 35-36))

Fear is a feeling that grips our heart, makes our insides constrict with anxiety, and fills our mind with the worse sense of dread. Fear paralyzes so that we are unable to respond, fear drives us to acting without thinking first and fear so consumes us that we forget everything we know to be true.

So it was when Jairus heard those who came running to him from his house say, “Stop bothering the master any longer, your daughter has already died,” fear came in like a flood and what little hope he had died too. Jesus knew his feelings at that precise moment and comforting Jairus said, “Don’t be afraid, keep believing.”

How many times has news come to your ears that fear overtook your heart, peace flew out the door and you forgot everything you knew to be true about your Savior? You forgot when He said, “Fear not, for I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” You forgot when He said “I will never leave you or forsake you.” You forgot when He said, “You are mine, I have loved you with an everlasting love and I will not let you slip and fall, but I will hold you with my right hand of righteousness.” “You are mine, you are precious in my sight, I have engraved you on my hand and kept you as the apple of my eye. You are my beloved and I rejoice over you with singing.”

The next time fear comes barging through the door of your heart, let Jesus’ words comfort you and be still and listen when He says, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”

“Wisdom will live by what it knows to be true.” ((Ravi Zacharias))