Have you ever asked yourself, “What will they think of me?” or “Will that make them do…?” or “I’m afraid he/she will…” Have you ever made a decision based on fear you had of people?
When I was working in a very abusive environment I was afraid of everyone working there. None of them could be trusted. Any word I said or move I made could bring disaster at any moment. Threats of job loss were constant. Yet was I to be afraid? NO!
Over and over throughout the Bible we are told not to fear people—not even our enemies:
- Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 1:8 NKJV
- Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Matthew 10:26 NKJV
- So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 NKJV
- But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are“And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 1 Peter 3:14 NKJV
- To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear. Luke 1:74 KNJV
- I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Psalms 3:6 NKJV
- See also Deut. 20:3, 2 Kings 19:6, Ps. 49:16, Is. 51:7, Matthew 10:28, and more.
So name a person you are afraid of. Your boss? Your ex? A relative? Your neighbor? An authority in your life? Are you supposed to be afraid of them?
Why should we not fear people? Because God has our backs! He says He will deliver us. He will bless us. He will reveal the secrets. There is nothing to be afraid of. He is there for you. He will never leave you or forsake you.
Believe me, as someone who has struggled with anxiety my whole life, I get that it is tough not to be afraid. However, when you really think about it, what is there to be afraid of? God has my back! Who better?
Give your fears to God.
*If you are in physical danger, make sure you get to safety and reach out for help. God does not expect us to stay in a situation where we are being mistreated in any way. He created us to live, not be abused.
