Whom do you fear – and why?
by Pastor Steve Liersch
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I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, that you forget the Lord your Maker (Isaiah 51:12,13).
Strange how when we’re young, we fear so much because it’s all new, big and seemingly scary. Think Father Christmas, the dark, loud noises, zoo animals even behind bars, and those birds that fly too close. Some of these fears we grow out of. Others seem to haunt us all our lives. Phobias are a real thing for many people who suffer from things like spiders, open spaces and crowds.
A fearful spirit is apt to make the worst of everything and think the danger is greater and nearer than it really is. Fears and anxiety can be debilitating, limiting a person’s ability to enjoy many opportunities to experience something new, exhilarating or even beautiful.
Today’s word from our comforting God is meant to be just that – a word of perspective and comfort. Yet our world continues to provide us with a constant barrage of things to fear, especially people we are likely to never meet. Sure, there’s enough criminal element around to be cautious, but letting the fear of those who are ‘bent on destruction’ or breathing ‘the wrath of the oppressor’ can be the difference between enjoying life to the full or being almost too frightened to leave the house. Through Isaiah, God reassured the Israelites – and us – that the threats of Pharaoh and the king of Babylon were no more.
Bible commentator Matthew Henry wrote: ‘Our inordinate fear of man is a tacit forgetfulness of God. When we disquiet ourselves with the fear of man, we forget that there is a God above him’.
Putting our trust in our all-powerful God is exactly where he calls us to put it with this reminder that all threats, oppressors and fear-causing mortals will be dealt with by him in good time.
Is there anyone you fear in your life right now? Why? What’s the worst they could do to you?
God of all comfort and strength for my life, please forgive me for the times I fear mortals instead of trusting in you to provide my protection and strength. Empower me with your promises once again. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Pastor Steve Liersch and his wife are almost empty nesters as their three adult children explore the world with work. They live in the southern coastal suburbs of Perth near Rockingham. Steve enjoys gardening, watching sports – especially Port Power and cricket – playing sudoku and catching up with friends.
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