Rerouted: 30 Days Through the Book of JonahSample

Facing Fear

Bronwyn Cardwell

Jonah 1:10

Fear. The very word elicits the emotion. My mind immediately goes to my fears of heights, deep waters and snakes. But let’s be honest — fears about financial security, relationships, health and the future are just as real.

In Jonah 1, the sailors experienced fear three times while heading to Tarshish, including in today's key verse. If we look closely, we see three different types of fear — which God used to draw them to Himself.

1. Fear of death. In Jonah 1:5, “the mariners were afraid” as the storm threatened to break their boat apart. They cried out to their pagan gods, but these idols were powerless to save them.
2. Fear of punishment. In Jonah 1:10, the sailors were “exceedingly afraid” when they realized Jonah’s God was behind the storm. Their words — “What is this that you have done!” — showed their astonishment that Jonah would try to flee from such a powerful, righteous God.
3. Fear of God. The final instance of fear appears in Jonah 1:16: “The men feared the Lᴏʀᴅ exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lᴏʀᴅ and made vows.” Their fear shifted from survival to reverence and awe. They encountered the power of the one true God and responded with worship.

As these sailors remind us, misplaced fears can paralyze us with anxiety, but proper fear of the Lord leads to life and peace. Scripture is clear about the blessings of fearing God:

“The friendship of the Lᴏʀᴅ is for those who fear him” (Psalm 25:14).

“Fear of the Lᴏʀᴅ is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10).

“In the fear of the Lᴏʀᴅ one has strong confidence” (Proverbs 14:26).

“Fear of the Lᴏʀᴅ is a fountain of life” (Proverbs 14:27).

When life overwhelms us, we can turn the tables on fear by turning to God, the Creator who holds us in His mighty arms. Our fears often stem from our own insecurities or circumstances beyond our control. But there is One who overcomes our fears and gives peace to our souls: the Lord.

Because of Jesus, we need not fear death — He promises eternal life to those who believe. We need not fear punishment — Jesus bore our sins on the cross (Romans 5:8-10). And when we revere God and trust Him, He is with us in every storm. Because of Jesus, we are never alone.