Nothing to Fear

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”
-Proverbs 29:25

What are you most afraid of? Not in the over dramatic, get attention way; no I mean really come to a point where you without a doubt shaking in your boots afraid. You know, your palms are sweaty, your mouth is dry, your heart beats faster and you mind races with images of potential outcomes long before anything happens. Armed robbery, violence, natural disasters, war, and dare I say terrorism are all examples of things many people are afraid of in life. A recent survey though detailed the top 10 things that people fear:
Performing or giving a talk
Speaking in front of large audiences
Being the center of attention
Meeting new people
Interviewing for a job or taking an exam
Talking to a person in authority
Working while someone watches
Entering a room when others are already present
Talking with people you don’t know
Going to parties or social gatherings

I found this list rather surprising. I travel the world speaking in front of large audiences, meeting new people and being the center of attention. I’ve never came to a point of significant fear around any of these items, although I can understand why some might.

The point of the discussion though is that when we allow fear to creep into our lives, it allows our self esteem, courage and confidence to be shaken. Often times we allow fear of situations at work or in school to fill our minds with negativity. In turn this can lead to feelings of inadequacy, incompetence and failure. God has provided a sense of purpose, righteousness and self value that is far from fear. He has assured us that He is our strength and that all things are possible through Him. Nothing that man can put in front of you can stand against the mighty power of your heavenly Father.

We learn in Psalm 27, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Take a hold of this promise when you are faced with situations that cause you to fear. Be it fear of embarrassment, fear of harm or even the fear of the unknown – God is with you always, and He will not leave your side. You are an overcomer in this world, and you need to stand tall against the authority of this world. This doesn’t suggest disrespect, but do not live in fear of these individuals. Your only concern should be in pleasing the Lord, not in the approval and act of pleasing mankind.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
We rejoice in Your holiness Lord. We find comfort in Your grace and Your promise to always be with us. To watch over us, keep us free from harm and to protect us from the enemy. Help us to find confidence in You when we are faced with trials and temptations in this land. We rest in knowing that we are overcomers through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. In Jesus name we pray. - Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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