Held

I stood at the seashore, holding my daughter's hand. She was frightened by the waves, her little body tensing every time the water rushed toward us. I reassured her that my grip was firm—that I wouldn't let go, no matter how strong the tide. We stepped in a little deeper, and she screamed. I reminded her again, "I'm holding you tight. The waves can't harm you." She tried to be brave, whispering, "Okay… but that's enough, let's go back."

Still, worry filled her eyes. Each wave that rolled our way felt, to her, like a threat that might sweep her off her feet. Again and again, I tightened my hold and told her she was safe. She nodded, but the next wave came, and panic returned.

As I stood there, steadying her, a thought pressed on my heart: Isn't this exactly how I am with God? He assures me over and over. I've experienced His faithfulness countless times, yet when the waves of life rise, I falter. I panic. I forget that His grip on me is secure. I forget that the waters cannot overwhelm me.

Instead of resting in His hands, I let fear take over.

Fear is not a stranger to us. It has a way of sneaking into our everyday lives. Sometimes it looks like sleepless nights replaying what-ifs. Other times, it's hesitation when God nudges us to step into something new. And often, it's just that heavy feeling in the pit of our stomachs that whispers, You're not enough for this. Fear usually stands between us and the life of faith God is calling us into.

Throughout Scripture, we see the powerful grip fear had over the people of God. Adam and Eve were afraid of God's response to their sin, and so they hid. Moses and Gideon trembled at their callings and needed multiple assurances. The Israelites were terrified to step into the Promised Land because they were afraid of the size of its inhabitants. Even the disciples, with Jesus right there in the boat with them, panicked that they might drown, accusing Him of not caring for them.

And yet, in the same Bible, we also see countless verses reminding us: Do not fear. Be strong. Take courage. Trust God. It's as if God knew how easily situations would shake our faith, how quickly lies would creep in, and how often we would need to be reminded of the truth.

What is Fear?

Fear, in essence, is the sin of not believing in God's power and promises. When we fear, we are saying that we don't think God is in control. When we are afraid of losing our jobs, we are saying that our jobs are our providers, not God. When we parent out of fear, we are essentially saying that our children's lives are ultimately in our hands, and not in the Lord's.

Fear is choosing to think about and dwell on the worst-case scenario. Fear does not come from God; rather, it is a tool that the devil uses to distract us from God's good purpose for our lives. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

The reality is this: we become irrationally fearful when our focus is on ourselves.

We don't trust God's promises because we end up trusting our own feelings or the shifting words of others instead. But our feelings are fragile. They change with every circumstance. God's promises, however, are unshakable. His promises are greater than our feelings. "…God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything." (1 John 3:20b NLT).

Fear Not: A Gentle Command

'Fear Not' is a command, yes, but have you noticed that it's not a command accompanied by an impending scolding or punishment? Instead, it is the tender reassurance of a Father who knows our frailty and meets us with compassion. Just as He gently reminded Joshua over and over, He reminds us: I am with you. I will help you. I will never leave you. (Joshua 1:9)

Fear begins to lose its grip when we choose, in trembling faith, to take a step forward anyway, when we fight for a broken relationship, when we say yes to God's call. When we walk up onto that stage, heart pounding, but still trusting His presence. Faith grows stronger in the small acts of courage that rest not on our strength but on His.

He Holds Us

We can take that step forward, knowing that God doesn't just command us to be brave—He holds us while we face the storm. There is a peace that comes with this reminder that we are held by God -the wise and Sovereign God who loves us. He is not indifferent to our fears and worries. He cares, and He promises to take care of us. Isn't it beautiful that God doesn't comfort us from afar, but He is ever near, holding us close?  

"Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close" (Psalm 27:10 NLT).

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NLT).

"Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand" (Psalm 73:23 NLT).

"Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." (Psalm 139:10 ESV)

I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. (Psalm 63:8 NLT)

For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, 'Don't be afraid. I am here to help you. (Isaiah 41:13 NLT)

To be held by God is to be safe—even when we don't feel safe.

As Charles Spurgeon once said about Proverbs 29:25, "It is not, 'He that trusteth in himself;' not, 'He that trusteth in a priest;' not, 'He that performs good works, and trusts in them,' but, 'whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.' The man who is trusting in the blood and righteousness of Jesus may not always be happy, but he is safe; he may not always be singing, but he is safe; he may not always have the joy of full assurance, but he is safe. He may sometimes be distressed, but he is always safe; he may sometimes question his interest in Christ, but he is always safe."

Yes, God knows how weak and fragile we are—how quickly fear grips us, how easily anxiety weighs us down, and how often life feels overwhelming. Yet He doesn't look on us with frustration, but with deep compassion. The more we focus on His grace, His love, and His tender Fatherly care (and not on ourselves), the more our hearts are filled with peace and joy. And every time we turn back to Him, we find His arms already open, ready to hold us close.

So, dear friend, when the waves rise and fear whispers that you will be swept away, remember: you are not standing in the surf alone. You are held by the everlasting arms of the One who loves you, who goes before you, and who will never let you go. Take His hand. And rest in the truth that you are safe in Him.

Shiphrah loves all things chocolate, deep conversations, baking, and getting lost in a good book. She is passionate about encouraging families to learn God's Word together and documents all that the Lord is teaching her on her blog, boredandbusymama.com. She lives in Mumbai, India with her husband and two daughters.