Getting Out of the Boat: What Fear Teaches Us About the Brain and Trusting God

What does it really mean to “get out of the boat”? For those familiar with the Bible, the phrase comes from Matthew 14, where Jesus calls Peter to walk on water in the middle of a storm. It’s a dramatic and powerful story of faith—but it’s also a vivid example of how the brain processes fear and how we respond under pressure.

In this article, we’ll explore how this familiar spiritual story reflects something deeply rooted in our biology. By understanding how fear operates in the brain—particularly the role of the amygdala—we can better recognize when we’re being led by anxiety and when we’re being called to trust. Let’s explore what’s really happening in the mind when we face the unknown, and how we can begin to reframe our stress through both faith and understanding.

The Story: Peter, the Boat, and the Storm

In Matthew 14:22–33, Jesus tells His disciples to cross the sea without Him. As night falls, a storm hits, and the boat begins to toss in the waves. Just when fear is peaking, the disciples see someone walking on water. Terrified, they think it’s a ghost—until Jesus calls out and reassures them.

Peter, in a moment of bold faith, says, “Lord, if it is You, tell me to come to You on the water.” Jesus simply says, “Come.” And for a moment, Peter does it—he actually walks on water. But as soon as the wind picks up and fear takes hold, Peter looks away from Jesus and begins to sink.

This moment is not just symbolic—it’s deeply human. It represents what happens when we feel pulled between trust and fear, faith and instinct.

What’s Happening in the Brain?

Now, let’s step into the science. That wave of panic Peter experienced? That’s something most of us feel when we’re stepping into unfamiliar territory. Whether it’s a new job, a difficult conversation, or even starting therapy, the feeling of stress often comes before we’ve even taken the first step.

The Amygdala: Your Brain’s Alarm System

At the center of that experience is a small, almond-shaped structure in the brain called the amygdala. Its job is to detect threats and trigger survival responses. When the amygdala senses danger—real or perceived—it activates the “fight, flight, or freeze” response.

In Peter’s case, stepping onto the water during a storm triggered fear, just as our own brains might panic before we do something uncertain or vulnerable. This fear response is often automatic and reactive, driven by emotion rather than reason.

Reactive vs. Rational: A Battle in the Brain

The amygdala works much faster than the rational part of the brain (the prefrontal cortex). That’s why fear can take over before we’ve had time to think things through. It’s also why, under stress, we might:

· Overreact to a harmless situation

· Shut down when faced with a challenge

· Avoid taking healthy risks

· Feel anxious without fully understanding why

This imbalance between the reactive (amygdala) and the rational (prefrontal cortex) parts of the brain explains why stress can feel overwhelming—even if we know we’re safe.

Faith as a Regulator: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Here’s where the story of Peter becomes more than just metaphor. When Peter kept his focus on Jesus, he walked on water. But when he shifted his attention to the wind and waves—external chaos—he began to sink.

That moment mirrors what can happen in our brains: when we center our thoughts on fear, our amygdala dominates. But when we engage our rational thinking, pause to breathe, and remind ourselves of truth, we begin to calm the fear response.

For people of faith, trusting in God is more than an abstract idea—it’s a cognitive shift. Prayer, meditation, breathwork, Scripture reading, and intentional focus can activate the rational brain, lowering amygdala activity and reducing anxiety.

In other words, keeping our eyes on Jesus actually rewires how we process stress.

Getting Out of the Boat in Real Life

“Getting out of the boat” might look different for each of us. It could mean:

· Starting therapy

· Setting a boundary

· Pursuing a dream

· Ending a toxic relationship

· Saying “yes” to something God placed on your heart

Whatever your boat looks like, know this: fear is normal. It’s built into your biology. But fear doesn’t have to steer your decisions. Just as Jesus reached out His hand to Peter when he began to sink, He is always ready to meet us in our moments of panic—even when our brain is sounding the alarm.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Faith and Mental Health

Understanding how your brain responds to fear doesn’t diminish faith—it deepens it. When you know what’s happening in your body, you’re better equipped to respond with grace, patience, and intentional trust. The amygdala might scream “don’t do it,” but your soul knows when it’s time to step out anyway.

So if God is calling you to get out of the boat—trust Him. Your fear is real, but so is your faith.

Take the Next Step Toward Peace

If you’ve found yourself stuck in the boat—held back by anxiety, stress, or fear—we want you to know you don’t have to face the storm alone. At St. John’s Women’s Counseling & Therapy, we provide a safe, faith-centered space for you to explore what’s holding you back and gently walk toward healing.

Whether you’re navigating deep waters or just ready to take your next brave step, we’re here to help you refocus, reset, and rise—one session at a time.

Ready to get started?
Contact us today and take that courageous step out of the boat.
Rewriting your story can begin now—and you don’t have to do it alone.