Even though fear and anxiety affects us, it’s not meant to control us the way that it does sometimes. We don’t have to be Triggered to respond in a way that is unhealthy, emotionally and spiritually. Whether you’ve been a Christian for a long time or you’re still skeptical about God, you don’t need to ignore or obsess over them as a solution. God gave you your emotions and how you respond to them is intertwined with your health as a human being and/or your spiritual growth as a follower of Jesus.

“Where did we get the idea that it’s possible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature?” – Peter Scazerro

To be human is to fear and be anxious.”

Fear functions as an alerting system that can shield us from danger…

Anxiety is a natural human emotion in response to a stressful or a perceived threat in the future.

[Genesis 3:6-11]

“The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.”

“When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?””

He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”

1. Trust Who Jesus Says He Is

[Matthew 14:22-27]

“Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.”

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

2. Trust what Jesus says He’ll do

[Matthew 14:28-33]

“Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

3. Trust that Jesus can provide for you

[Matthew 6:31-33]

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

[Philippians 4:6-7]

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

[1 Peter 5:7]

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.