How can we overcome fear of others when following God's commands? Setting the scene Jeremiah 38 records a tense moment. Jeremiah has spoken God’s word; King Zedekiah knows it is true, yet he hesitates. “I am afraid of the Judeans who have defected…” (Jeremiah 38:19). The king’s fear of people stalls his obedience to God. His struggle mirrors ours: How do we obey when people’s opinions, threats, or rejection feel overwhelming? Identifying the root of fear • Fear grows when we focus on human power rather than God’s sovereignty (Jeremiah 38:19 vs. Jeremiah 38:17). • It is fueled by imagining worst-case outcomes instead of trusting God’s declared outcomes (Jeremiah 38:20). • Scripture names this self-protective impulse: “The fear of man is a snare” (Proverbs 29:25). God’s antidote to fear • Shift allegiance: “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God?” (Galatians 1:10). • Remember who truly holds life and death: “Do not fear those who kill the body… Rather fear Him” (Matthew 10:28). • Receive God-given courage: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Titus 1:7). Practical steps to overcome fear 1. Anchor in God’s promises – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You… What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4). – “The LORD Himself goes before you… Do not be afraid” (Deuteronomy 31:8). 2. Obey the next clear instruction – Jeremiah simply spoke again (Jeremiah 38:20-21). Obedience in small steps trains courage for larger ones. 3. Confess and replace fearful thoughts – Identify the lie (e.g., “People control my future”). – Replace with truth (e.g., “My times are in Your hands,” Psalm 31:15). 4. Surround yourself with faith-filled voices – Jeremiah had Ebed-melech’s support (Jeremiah 38:7-13). Seek believers who point you back to Scripture. 5. Rehearse God’s past faithfulness – Joshua faced strong enemies; God reminded him, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9). Recalling victories fuels present boldness. 6. Speak truth aloud – “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). Promises to cling to • Isaiah 51:12-13 — God Himself comforts; human wrath is momentary. • Psalm 118:6 — “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.” • John 16:33 — Christ has overcome the world, including its intimidation. • Acts 5:29 — “We must obey God rather than men.” Obedience aligns us with the victorious side. Walking it out today • Name the specific command you’re hesitant to follow. • Identify whose opinion or action intimidates you. • Counter each fear with a corresponding promise above. • Take the decisive step of obedience, trusting God with the results. As Jeremiah told Zedekiah, “Obey the voice of the LORD… and it will go well with you” (Jeremiah 38:20). The same assurance stands: when we choose God over human fear, He takes responsibility for the outcome—and that certainty breaks the snare. |
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