One of my favorite songs on the radio right now is by Christian musician Zach Williams. The name of the song is “Fear Is a Liar”. The lyrics that really stick with me are, “Fear, he is a liar. He will take your breath, stop you in your steps. Fear he is a liar. He will rob your rest, steal your happiness.” We’ve all been there, right?
But, we’re told in Scripture to replace our fear with faith. In Mark 5, we read of Jesus’ encounter with Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue. Jairus’ daughter was sick and dying, and, as any father would, he pleaded with Jesus to come heal his little girl.
Jesus agreed and followed Jairus to his home, but Mark 5:35 (NLT) tells us that they were too late. ‘…messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”’
At that moment, Jairus’ worst fears were realized. His precious daughter had succumb to her sickness and had died. Can you imagine? But then, as He so often did, Jesus offered comfort in the face of suffering. Mark 5:36 reads, ‘But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”’
Mark 5:37-43 tells us what happened next. ‘Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” Holding her hand, he said to her, “Little girl, get up!” And the girl immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.’
Are you afraid today? Given what one sees on the daily news, there’s good reason to be. Between a global pandemic, political upheaval, and routine murders in the streets, it’s hard not to be fearful.
Are you ready to replace your fear with faith? Remember what Jesus said to His disciples after calming the storm? Mark 4:39-40 says, ‘When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”’
Zach Williams closes the refrain to his song with this message: “Cast your fear in the fire. ‘Cause fear he is a liar.” Today, I challenge you to cast your fear into the fire and put your trust in Jesus Christ.
Truth & Discernment 