The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Proverbs 29:25 (KJV).

REFLECT:
We have all encountered the emotion called fear at some point in our lives and frankly speaking, it is not a good feeling.

Fear shows up in many ways, shapes, and forms, with deep spiritual roots and consequences. Some of the kinds of fear we face just to mention a few are as follows: i. The fear of failure. ii. Fear of the future. iii. Fear of heights. iv. Fear of death. v. Fear of the sickness, virus, infirmities. vi. Fear of darkness. vii. Fear of danger. viii. Fear of man (Just like we are told in the opening lines of our Bible verse for today) etc, and the list is inexhaustible.

This is a terrible way to live and the devil, aided by the society we live in and most parts of our culture and traditions are all intent on holding us captive in this place indefinitely. With the rise in moral decadence, sin corruption, crime, and all inconceivable wickedness happening daily, why won’t fear run rife and rampant in our world?

Notwithstanding, amid all the confusion, there is still the voice of truth, reason, and comfort that still speaks in a still small voice saying: “fear not.” This still small voice is the voice of our Heavenly Father, as He communicates to our hearts by the Holy Spirit, giving us hope, and the solution we need to combat this monster called fear.

Fear itself is a spirit sent from the pits of hell by the devil. Its ultimate goal is to cripple and hinder us from coming into the fullness of all God has for us in Christ Jesus. However, Father God is always ten steps ahead of hell. Our Heavenly Father is fully aware of hell’s intents before it was conceived and made a way of escape for us.

That way of escape is Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross as the lamb of God. By reason of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and ultimate resurrection from the dead, Jesus won the victory over fear and all its ramifications. That is why we don’t fear what hell brings our way because it is already defeated.

For this reason, our Bible verse stands to remind us not to succumb to any kind of fear, and it specifically mentions the fear of man. Why does our Bible verse specifically mention this kind of fear? This is because the enemy uses this kind of fear as a substitute for the righteous fear and reverence we are meant to have for God. Thereby trapping us in the web of idolatry and profane worship.

When we allow the fear of man to rule over us, we give God no place in our lives. We exult man–the creation above God the creator. Also, this kind of fear can stand as an open door to other types of fears, like the ones mentioned earlier in our discussion.

We may wonder how this plays out. The truth is that man can never take the place of God and does not have the absolute power or authority to save. Therefore, our hope and trust must not lie absolutely in man’s abilities.

As humans, we are fallible. We have faults and limitations. Without God’s enabling power, we fall short of everything. Therefore, when we make man the source of our lives, we inherit all that man has to offer, which turns out to be his limitations, shortcomings, and failures.

This kind of lifestyle brings us under a curse: “Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:5 KJV). This Bible passage re-affirms the message in our Bible verse of the day.

On the other hand, those who make the Lord God their sole object of worship and adoration, who make it a point to put their trust in God, will receive and inherit all that God has promised to offer which are His blessings, safety, and entire glory of the Kingdom of God. “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32 KJV).

When we put our trust in God and direct our worship to Him alone. He satisfies us with His good pleasure releasing into our lives all the glory His Kingdom has to offer.

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

A Prayer to Trust

FATHER GOD, I am not always sure what the future will bring. But I know that You have a plan and purpose for my life. Thank You for guiding and protecting me. As I continue to follow You, I will not be afraid—instead, I will trust in You. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME.