When was the last time you knew that you had to have a very difficult conversation with someone – a conversation that could result in that person lashing out at you? Do you remember the feelings of fear and dread that you experienced?

The last time I was in this situation, I suffered in silence, until I turned to the Lord for His perspective and consolation. He led me to Isaiah 51:12 (NLT), which says, “I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear? Yet you have forgotten the Lord, your Creator, the one who stretched out the sky like a canopy and laid the foundations of the earth.” This was the Lord’s righteous indignation against my fearing people more than Him.

This passage continues – “Will you remain in constant dread of human oppressors? Will you continue to fear the anger of your enemies? Where is their fury and anger now? It is gone!” (Isaiah 51:13 NLT) If the Lord was trying to make me feel ashamed, He succeeded. He made me realize that as a servant of the Most High God, I didn’t need to be afraid of people, because He would protect me and defend me as long as I was in submission to Him, and looking to Him for help.

I love how the Message Bible says, “But what will come of the tantrums?” (Isaiah 51:13 MSG) It is utterly ridiculous for God’s chosen ones to quake and quiver when people rail against us. Instead of magnifying our problems or other people, we need to magnify our great God. When we do, no person on earth and no devil in hell will be able to harm a hair on our heads! (Luke 21:18)

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I had more fear of people, than faith in You. When I am tempted to dread my dealings with others, remind me of how committed You are to protecting me and causing me to succeed. Teach me how to magnify You, Your power, and Your love – and to minimize other people’s tantrums and threats against me. Thank You that as I give You Your rightful place in my life, I will never have to fear anyone but You!

- J. M. Farro