Fear Not...Only Believe

Each Sunday at worship, we listen to several readings from the Bible. After the readings, we take a moment to ponder on them and pay attention to any word, phrase or idea that speaks to our hearts. We are then invited to share them with the congregation if we so choose. I noticed that what stuck out in my mind for the past two weeks had a recurring theme. We have been reading the Gospel according to Mark.
In chapter four, Mark tells of a time when Jesus was in a boat with His followers...sleeping. A great windstorm arose and the boat was being tossed about. Greatly frightened, the disciples woke Jesus crying out "Do you not care that we are going to die?" Jesus quieted the wind and commanded the sea to be still. Then he asked the disciples, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?"
Last week we read another portion of Mark, chapter five. A leader of the church approached Jesus, his name was Jairus. His young daughter was dying and he asked that Jesus lay hands on her and heal her. Jesus went with him to his home. On the way, a large crowd pressed in around Him. A woman who had been hemorrhaging for twelve years pushed her way to the front of the crowd, sure that if she could only "touch the hem of His robe" she would be healed. Jesus was aware of her touch and asked the crowd, "Who touched me?" The woman confessed that it was she, told Him the whole truth and fell to the ground before Him. "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease." In the meantime, a messenger from Jairus' home came with the news that his daughter had already died. "No need to trouble the teacher any further." Jesus overheard what was said and assured Jairus, "Do not fear, only believe." Leaving the crowd behind, taking only a few followers along to Jairus' home, Jesus went in, took the young girl by the hand and commanded her to get up. She immediately got up and began walking about.
When angels appear to people...very often the first words they speak are, "Don't be afraid." To me, that's like "step one." The first thing we need to do.
Frightening things happen...I know that. People often become anxious when they aren't certain what's coming up next for them. Will they have a job? Will there be enough money to pay the bills? Will they be able to stay in their home? Will they be healed of their disease? Will they ever really feel happy again? Will their kids be okay?
Right now, things in my own little world are up in the air. I don't know what waits around the corner for us. Many changes...that much is for sure! (And I'm not all that fond of change.) Perhaps that's why the Holy Spirit is speaking to me each week...saying "Don't be afraid...only believe."
My absolute favorite Bible passage to keep in mind is from Philippians chapter four; "The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
To that...I say AMEN!