How can we guard against the fear described in Job 15:21? Setting the Scene “Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him.” (Job 15:21) Eliphaz pictures the inner panic of the godless: even when everything looks secure, dread stalks the heart. Yet Scripture also reveals how God equips His people to live free from that torment. Tracing the Roots of the Fear • Ungodly conscience: hidden sin breeds anxiety (Psalm 32:3-4). • Unstable foundation: trusting wealth or circumstances (Proverbs 11:28). • Unknown future: separation from God leaves the future threatening (Ephesians 2:12). God’s Answer: Settled Confidence “Have no fear of sudden disaster… for the LORD will be your confidence.” (Proverbs 3:25-26) 1. Living fellowship with God – “You keep in perfect peace the steadfast mind, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3) – Daily Scripture intake anchors thought life (Psalm 119:165). 2. A clear conscience – Confess and forsake sin (1 John 1:9). – “He who walks with integrity will be secure.” (Proverbs 10:9) 3. Right fear displaces wrong fear – “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life.” (Proverbs 14:27) – Reverent awe of God shrinks every lesser dread. 4. Christ-centered identity – “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) – The cross settles God’s verdict; the resurrection guarantees our future (1 Peter 1:3-5). 5. Mind renewal – Memorize stabilizing promises: • 2 Timothy 1:7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear…” • Hebrews 13:5-6 – “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” – Replace “what if” loops with truth recited aloud. 6. Persistent gratitude and praise – “I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4) – Thankfulness reminds the soul of God’s past faithfulness, fueling present trust. 7. Eternal perspective – “Our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) – When forever is secure, today’s threats lose dominance. Practical Daily Guardrails • Morning surrender: acknowledge God’s sovereignty before schedules start. • Midday recalibration: brief Scripture reading or verse recall. • Evening review: confess lapses, note evidences of God’s care. • Selective intake: limit fear-fueling media; elevate truth-filled input. • Fellowship: surround yourself with believers who speak courage (Hebrews 10:24-25). The Result “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” (Psalm 112:7) Grounded in Christ, nourished by truth, and walking in integrity, believers can silence the terror that haunts Job 15:21 and live in settled, joyful confidence. |
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