What do you fear? Losing your job? Apologizing to that person you’ve wronged? Taking a chance on a new relationship? Having enough money for retirement?
Maybe it’s not a “what”, but a “who” that’s got you shaking in your boots. Your boss? Maybe your spouse? The guy at work who’s always making your life miserable. That bill collector who won’t leave you alone?
Whoever or whatever you fear, that fear can be paralyzing, keeping you from reaching your full potential. The problem is your fear is misplaced.
The Bible says there is only One whom we should fear. Deuteronomy 13:4 (NLT): “Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.”
When we fear the Lord we don’t need to fear anything or anyone else, because God is on the side of those who fear Him. Psalm 25:14 says, “The Lord is a friend to those who fear Him and Psalm 115:13 adds, “He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly.”
Good things come from fearing God. Ecclesiastes 8:12 assures us “those who fear God will be better off.” If you fear and obey God “you will enjoy a long life” (Deuteronomy 6:2). Our Heavenly Father provides for and “gives food to those who fear him.” (Psalm 111:5).His “delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.” (Psalm 147:11).
Those who fear the Lord can count on Him to “show them the path they should choose.” (Psalm 25:12). God will be “your helper and your shield.” (Psalm 115:11). He provides security for those who fear Him and “he will be a refuge for their children.” (Proverbs 14:26). The Lord watches over those who fear him…” (Psalm 33:18) and “surrounds and defends” them (Psalm 34:7).
There are many things we can fear in this life, but only One whom we should fear – the God who gave His Son to die for you and me. If we fear Him, then there is nothing and no one else we need to be afraid of.
The choice is yours. Whom do you fear?