Why Are You Terrified?

“Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” // Matthew 8:26

Last year, my family carried a heavy cross as we dealt with a heartbreaking situation with one of my siblings. I found myself constantly anxious, not knowing what the outcome was going to be. I tried my best to numb the pain with all kinds of distractions. Instead of bringing all of my pain to the Lord, I thought I could handle all of it on my own. 

In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus say to His disciples,”Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26) Jesus doesn’t propose this question to the disciples to condemn them, but He uses it to build their relationship with Him. He wants them to know Him and know His heart towards them. I was terrified because I didn’t know Him as well as I should. Sister, I know how hard it is to trust, especially when you’ve been disappointed or hurt by others. 

Building a relationship with the Lord takes time, and He invites us to be honest with Him. You can tell Him about your fears, doubts, wounds, etc. You can tell Him that you’re having a hard time trusting Him. Again, He’s not here to condemn, but to love and transform our hearts to be in union with Him. He wants to show you that you can trust Him, that He’s true to His promises. The disciples thought the storm was too much for Jesus to handle, and Jesus showed them how He can do the impossible. 

Sister, I don’t know what storms are rushing through your life right now, but I want you to know that you don’t have to muscle through on your own strength or numb the pain with distractions. I want to gently invite you to present all of your struggles to Jesus. Allow Him to hold you. Allow Him to comfort you and to speak truth into your heart about His trustworthiness. Let Him show you Who He is. 

Jesus, we love You. Please reveal Your heart to us. Help us to know that You are good and trustworthy. Amen.