Why Do We Fear Mere Mortals?
In some ways, I’m still tempted by my “fear of man.” I’m fearing people who are mere mortals!
In a common phrase, it’s called People Pleasing. Although God is continuing a remarkable healing of my tendency to want to please people, I can be tempted at times.
I wonder…
- Did I say the right thing?
- Did I offend her?
- What does she think of me now?
- Will I be gossiped about?
All these things are basically thinking a person has more power over me than God!
Recently, I came across two verses in Isaiah which have empowered me to trust God more in the area of People Pleasing. TWEET THAT!!!!!
Isaiah 51:12-13:
“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,
who stretches out the heavens
and who lays the foundations of the earth,
that you live in constant terror every day
because of the wrath of the oppressor,
who is bent on destruction?
For where is the wrath of the oppressor?
As I’ve meditated on these two verses, I thought of writing out what they mean to me in a way that speaks the most to me:
I, God, am the one who can provide what you need and know you perfectly from the inside out.
Therefore, why do you fear what other people think of you when they don’t know your motives?
Those people are mere mortals who have limited knowledge and power.
I’m the only one who has all knowledge and power. If I have the ability to create everything there is, then certainly, I have the power to understand you and keep you from harm.
I call you my child which means you don’t have to be subject to the opinions of others. My opinion of you is how valuable and important you are to me.
And think of it… what you fear others will do to you actually rarely happens.
Or even if what you fear happens, it doesn’t destroy you!
I will protect you and even if what you fear happens, then I will bring good from it for you.
I promise!
I’d love to hear if these two verses are meaningful to you.
Let’s commit to not allowing mere mortals to create fear and ungodly reactions.
(If you’d like to learn more about fighting People Pleasing tendencies, my book Pure-Hearted: The Blessings of Living Out God’s Glory covers this topic.)
I think we all succumb to “people pleasing” to some degree or another. For me, I want to believe it’s because I sincerely don’t wish to offend anyone. As a young child, I learned hard lessons on the power of words to inflict shame and harm on someone. I’ve never meant to do that, but recognize I have more than I ever should have. Today, I may still hurt peoples’ feelings, but I do so in love and I do so sparingly (I pray). The key is to speak truth. Great verses to remember my friend. Thank you!
Thank you, J.D., for sharing insights as you always do. And I appreciate your thoughts so much. I’m so glad the Lord knows our hearts and also offers forgiveness.
This hit me, Kathy, as I’m reeling from an unkind rebuff from a family member. I was trying to be helpful and it was rejected. Then I went into my “people pleasing pity party.” Thank you for helping me regain my perspective as I work through the dynamics of the situation! 🙂
Ahhh, Deb, I’m so sorry to hear of this wounding situation. I sure can relate, as you know. I’m so pleased my post was meaningful. I’ll be praying for continued peace and confidence in your value in Christ who knows you intimately and by name. And I’ll also pray for this family member and for restored relationship. Love you.