Often during the past few weeks, I have felt fear and uncertainty rise up within me. During these times, I made a firm decision not to succumb to fear, and as soon as I did that, something changed and life suddenly felt lighter and brighter in our living room where I was standing.

As I stepped forward and envisioned myself on a beach with waves rising and building on the waters before me, I was reminded of Christ’s words, “Peace to you!”

Shortly after the Lord’s crucifixion, the disciples had locked themselves in a room for fear of the Jews and the uncertain times they were in.

Jesus appeared in their midst saying:

“Peace to you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” 

John 20:21-22

The Hebrew word for spirit in the Old Testament is ‘ruach’ and it means ‘air in motion.’ The same word is translated ‘breath’ and life’. When talking about the Holy Spirit, Jesus similarly likened Him to a wind, which in the Greek is ‘pneuma’ and means ‘a current of air, breeze or breath.’

Even as God breathed on Adam and gave him life, Jesus breathed on His disciples to give them the Holy Spirit. 

So, as I stood my ground and faced the oncoming waves of anxiety and fear, I took another deep breath and asked the Holy Spirit to help me. I immediately felt strengthened, and in control of my emotions.

I was also reminded of the powerful words God spoke to Joshua when he found himself fearing what lay ahead.

“Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. Just as I have spoken with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.  Be strong and courageous.”J

Joshua 1:3

God told Joshua to step out in faith and to be strong and courageous. And as we put our trust in God, my hope and prayer is that we face our fears with the same confidence:

“What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who (can be) against us? Who can be our foe if God is on our side?

Romans 8:31

God is on our side and will help us when we ask for it. And, along with this, we have the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us as we step forward to battle our fears.

We have the power to build waves of faith to overcome the ocean of fear rising up against us.

We need to determine in our hearts to stand our ground and keep our footing on the ‘solid rock,’ Christ Jesus, and push back against the fear.