Free From the Fear of Others
Fearful is not a word I would use in describing myself. I say this as I embrace new experiences– welcome new challenges—feel comfortable with, and in front of crowds—and I’m not afraid to try something new. At the same time, I recognize I can easily morph from “confident, assured me” to “anxious, second-guessing me” based on the opinions and acceptance of others. And yes, I recognize this is completely skewed thinking. Because of this, whenever I feel this way, I confess it to God and ask for His help. And each time I do, He faithfully reminds me of His love for me and my value to Him. Still, this is something I pray about, guard against, and entrust to God’s help.
I share this as I’m confident I’m not alone in this. Instead, I believe my plight, which the Bible labels the fear of others, is common to many. And for this reason, I am so thankful that Scripture both addresses and provides a solution to this problem.
The problem: People are trapped by their fear of others.
The solution: [T]hose who trust the LORD are secure (Proverbs 29:25 CEB).
As you see, this verse contrasts two vastly different individuals. The first being someone who is trapped by a fear of people/others. And the second is a secure individual who trusts in the Lord. This is easy enough to understand. Yet, to adequately appreciate the entirety of this verse, it’s best to break it into two parts. Beginning with…
People Who are Trapped
In traditional Bible versions, the first part of this verse reads as, “The fear of man brings a snare”. And although snare isn’t a word we commonly use, its usage here is effective, helping us to grasp the meaning of the proverb. You see, a snare is a trap or lure used by both hunters and fishermen. And in the very same way the fear of man is also a snare. Yet, its intended use is not for prey, but rather people. And sadly, this type of trap often leads to an unhealthy cycle of pleasing people. In essence, it’s seeking acceptance or validation from something or someone other than God! But the good news is there’s a solution to this problem. …
People Who Trust the Lord
There is truly only one solution– one cure—one way to be free from this destructive, deceptive trap. And by this I refer to trusting in the Lord. Trusting in the Lord means resting entirely in God’s Word and God’s ways. It means seeking His will above all else. It means relying on, depending on and acknowledging Him in all things (Proverbs 3:5). It means choosing to believe what He says about your incredible worth and infinite value. And ultimately it means reverencing and respecting Him above everyone and everything.
Oswald Chambers explains it like this, “The remarkable thing …is that when you fear God, you [need not] fear [anything] else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.”
So, should we strive to do and be our best? Absolutely we should, yet, not as a means of seeking acceptance from others, but rather as a way of honoring God with the gifts and talents He’s given us.
And further, should we seek to please others? Yes, we should. Yet, only out of reverence for, and never in the place of God.
Our God is a good Father. He loves us. He delights in us. He smiles over us and He even sings over us. And as if this weren’t enough, He has also graciously invited us to trust in Him with all that we have and all that we are. And by accepting His invitation, we are empowered to walk free from the fear of others–confident in our gifts and calling, and secure in His amazing love for us.
So perhaps today, or sometime this week, ask God to reveal to you any ways you may be seeking approval or validation in anything or anyone outside of Him. And then commit to trust Him above all else, and with everything you have and with all that you are.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Pray
Father God, I am so grateful for Your perfect love that casts out every fear (I John 4:18). Thank You for calling me Your child, and for daily reminding me of my infinite value and worth in Your eyes. You are my Hope, my Peace, and my Sure Foundation. I place my trust and confidence in You alone. In Jesus’ Name I thank and praise You, Amen.
Reflect
How does trusting God help us overcome the fear of others?
Encourage others with your response to this week’s question HERE or in the Comments section below.