In his book, "Dune," Frank Herbert puts a litany against fear into the mouth of his character Paul Atreides. It is part of Paul's training to be able to master his fear by allowing it to wash over and through him. It is a warrior idea, suitable for a messiah story about a warrior king.

"I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing....only I will remain"

What our Messiah tells us about fear is a bit different though. While we might enjoy the feeling of power coming from controlling impulses in a science fiction story, the reality is that human beings are fearful. We are often anxious, and crave control over our surroundings.

What our Messiah knows is that we cannot do it alone. So Jesus tells us over and over again, not to worry or be fearful, but to cast our cares on God. Rely on God. Trust on God. Let God carry the weight of this fear. Let God handle what comes next.

It is human nature that we want to turn and see ourselves standing. But we know (because Jesus told us) we are not standing there alone. God is standing with us. God has taken the fear. God remains.