How can we overcome doubts and fears as Jesus addressed in Luke 24:38? Setting the scene “‘Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?’” (Luke 24:38) The risen Jesus speaks these words in a locked room to disciples who have heard the resurrection report but still quake with fear. His gentle question becomes our doorway into victory over doubt and fear. The character of Jesus that dispels fear • Compassionate: He notices their inward turmoil before they voice it. • Personal: He invites them to look at His hands and feet (v. 39). • Patient: He explains Scripture again (vv. 44-45). • Powerful: His bodily resurrection proves every promise true. Common roots of doubt and fear • Forgetting God’s past faithfulness • Focusing on visible threats rather than invisible realities (2 Corinthians 4:18) • Fatigue and grief (the disciples had endured intense emotional strain) • Spiritual opposition sowing lies (Ephesians 6:16) Scripture’s antidote to doubt and fear • Remember God’s Word – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). – Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). • Rely on Christ’s presence – “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). – “When I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psalm 56:3-4). • Receive the peace He gives – “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). – “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). • Recall fulfilled promises – Resurrection validates every prophecy (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). – Past victories fuel present confidence (Joshua 4:7). Practical steps to overcome doubts and fears today • Open the Bible daily; underline verses where God addresses fear (Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:6-7). • Speak truth aloud; replace anxious thoughts with Scripture promises. • Seek tangible reminders of Christ’s reality—celebrate the Lord’s Supper, fellowship with believers, recount testimonies. • Obey promptly; faith grows as we act on what we know (James 1:22-25). • Pray honest prayers like the father in Mark 9:24: “I believe; help my unbelief.” • Serve others; turning outward shifts focus from fear to love (1 John 4:18). Encouraging promises to hold tight • “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous... the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) • “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1) • “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Because the tomb is empty, every command to “fear not” is backed by resurrection power. |
    |