"The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted." Proverbs 29:25
A Disabling Fear
Fear is disabling when it keeps us from living in the freedom of love God has designed and desires us to enjoy with Him.
We are trapped when we fear opinions, attitudes, or withheld praises from others.
Have you ever wondered why we are susceptible to the fear of others?
It isn't usually physical harm from others we fear, but we fear not being accepted, affirmed, or approved at some level.
I remember the trauma of being the new kid in the neighborhood and school starting my third grade. It was brutal.
The description of "odd man out" never did it justice.
I still hear people I graduated with talking about their wonderful school memories, and I think they went to a different school.
Looking back at my high school experience, it was an ongoing masquerade to get from others what they were not willing or able to give…love.
We are so susceptible to this fear of man because the Triune God has made us from relationship, through relationship, and for relationship.
But there is only one Source of perfect acceptance, affirmation, and approval: our Abba Father.
We will try to resource elsewhere what we don't accept from Him.
We confuse and default to the resource when we don't trust the Source.
The pipes from the city water plant bring the resources, but they are not the Source.
God designs our relationships with others to be a conduit to knowing His love, but they are not the Source.
The problem is we expect from others what only He can give: perfect love.
Find the peace that comes from receiving God's perfect love and knowing that you are accepted, affirmed, and approved as His child.
Believe how He sees you--as His child. Anything outside of this is a snare.
How does the approval of others ensnare you?
In what ways are you seeking the acceptance, affirmation, and approval of those who cannot supply your needs?
What would you tell a child who was trying to gain from you their love?
Lord, may we find our identity in Abba Father as Your child and know our worth through Your love. May we trust You and live free. Amen