As we look closely at the verse from Mark 9:6, *“For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid”*, we are drawn into a profound human experience—fear. This scripture comes from the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus, where Peter, James, and John witness a spectacular display of divine glory. In that moment, Moses and Elijah appear, and the astonished disciples are overwhelmed. In their fear, Peter speaks impulsively, offering to build three tabernacles, yet it is recorded that he did not really understand what he was saying.

The term ‘wist not’ is an archaic expression that means ‘did not know’ or ‘was unaware.’ This verse encapsulates what often happens to us when we encounter the extraordinary and the divine. The awe-inspiring moments in our lives can leave us speechless, grappling for words when confronted with the reality of God’s majesty and our human frailty. It illustrates a common aspect of humanity: at times, we find ourselves caught in the web of fear, unable to articulate our thoughts or feelings, much like Peter on that mountain.

Fear has a unique ability to paralyze us. When we experience fear, whether it’s rooted in our spiritual lives, health concerns, relationships, or even the future, we may find ourselves in a place of silence, hesitant to act or speak. The disciples were not just afraid; they were ‘sore afraid,’ indicating a profound level of fear and trepidation. In those moments, the weight of emotion can make us feel heavy and isolated, and we may fail to see God’s presence in our circumstances.

What do we do in our moments of fear? How do we find God amidst our uncertainty? The answer lies in recognizing that fear is not the absence of faith, but rather, it is a natural human emotion that we can bring before God.

In Scripture, fear is often met with reassurance from God. In Isaiah 41:10, we read, *“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”* Just like the disciples on the mountain, we can acknowledge our fear but need not let it define our response. Instead, we can turn our fear into a pathway towards deeper faith.

During the Transfiguration, a cloud overshadowed the group, and then a voice came from the cloud saying, *“This is my beloved Son: hear him.”* (Mark 9:7). In that moment, even amid fear, God directs attention back to Jesus. Amidst our fears, we are called to reflect on who Jesus is—the One who comforts, strengthens, and empowers us to face our fears head-on.

In practice, when we encounter fear, we can choose to respond like the disciples: we can listen and draw near to Jesus. We can meditate on His words, inviting His peace to wash over us. Jesus has promised us that, despite fears that may come, He remains our steadfast anchor in the storm. Psalm 56:3 reminds us, *“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”*

Furthermore, we can cultivate spaces in our lives where we can express our fears openly and honestly—both to God in prayer and to trusted friends. In doing so, we not only release the burden of silence but invite community support and God’s strength to work through our fears. Like Peter, we may not always know what to say, and that’s okay. God understands; it’s the positioning of our hearts that matters. We can trust that God is actively at work, even when we are at a loss for words.

As we reflect on Mark 9:6 today, let us embrace our fears with honesty and open hearts. Let’s turn our gaze towards Jesus, the One who transforms our fear into faith, leading us into the glorious light of His love and grace. In our uncertainty and silence, may we remember that God is ever-present, guiding us to listen, learn, and grow deeper in relationship with Him.