I will be honest here from the get-go; I struggle constantly with the fear of man. Most days my mind is flooded with questions like, “Did I word that right for them, or did that come across unintentionally rude?” “Did her text message response seem upset towards me? If so, why? What did I do?” Of course, like most things, these small worries of mine ebb and flow with seasons of life. It often feels like I become more fearful and worrisome when I have been distant from God.

There is a proper balance of all things in my life, only when I am remaining close to my Source. I have less fear of man when I am abiding in Christ where I see my true identity and value. When I let life drag me away from my Bible and prayer, I often get very wrapped up in the evil one’s schemes against me. What more could please the evil one than a Christian too fearful of man to pursue God?

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 A favorite worship song of mine, “Forever Reign” by Hillsong is playing on repeat in my mind today. It is deeply connected to my struggle of fearing man and life circumstances, and not serving my Lord.

You are peace, You are peace,

When my fear is crippling;

You are true, You are true,

Even in my wandering

You are joy, You are joy,

You’re the reason that I sing;

You are life, You are life,

In You death has lost its sting!

The Lord is near, my dear friends! He is close and He is available to calm our fears and draw us close. I pray that this post, if nothing else, is a simple reminder that we Christians have direct access to the Author of Life, the Mighty One, who fights for us and loves us deeply. We cannot let fear of man grip our hearts and distract us from God’s call on our lives. My prayer for you and for my own heart today is:

Lord! You are near to us, You promise that. Please convict us of our distracted and fearful hearts. Let us lay down in Your comforting presence, and let us move forward this day towards peace in You alone.

Britney Bradley loves being a wife to her loving husband, Brian. She is mother to 4 little girls, Ruby, Cora, Lily, and Opal, as well as auntie to 8, and friend to many. She has always dreamed about marriage and motherhood, and is now navigating God’s will each and every day in these realms. She enjoys writing when she gets a chance, and of course, coffee.