You Can Bring Your Fear to Jesus

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Some prayers begin with careful sentences. Others begin with a question we almost feel ashamed to ask: Lord, do you care?

In Mark 4:38, frightened disciples ask Jesus that question while waves threaten their boat. Their fear is real, but their conclusion about his care needs correction. Jesus does not leave them with their first, frightened understanding of him.

We can learn from both parts of that moment. We do not need to hide distress from Jesus. We also need to let his words challenge what fear tells us about him.

Peter connects bringing our anxieties to God with humbling ourselves before him. We are not required to hold everything together by our own strength. His care gives us a reason to entrust our concerns to him.

Entrusting a concern to God is not a technique that guarantees instant calm. You may need to pray about the same burden again. You may also need support from a trusted friend or appropriate professional help. Receiving help does not make your prayer less sincere.

Take a quiet moment today and name one fear plainly. Try a simple prayer: “Lord, this is what I am carrying. I do not know how it will unfold, but I bring it to you because you care for me.”

You do not have to make your prayer impressive. Begin honestly, and leave room to listen.