Genesis 32:11
Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children.
What an incredible prayer. Jacob confessed the fear he had of his brother. He searched his heart and recognized the fear, and he recognized the fear he had was not comparable to the fear he should have of the Lord.
Many a heart will attempt to squash fear for fear’s sake, then become exasperated when it returns time and again. This is not a matter of nerves but a matter of the heart. Our eyes must be on God, through His Son, and we must acknowledge, repent, and lay before the Lord our fears, trusting the promises of God.
Many people acknowledge their fear, but few people acknowledge God in the midst of their fear. The Psalmist writes, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Also, “In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
Many a fear is left unchecked against the Word of God because we deny God in every aspect of our lives except on Sunday mornings. We do not lay our fears and our worries before the Lord, but stuff them in our hearts and become paralyzed by them. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
Psalm 118:6, James 4:8
Father, who is there to fear if we have a right and true fear of You? There is none like You, none in heaven above or earth below. But we so easily deny You and fear man rather than You. Forgive me. Lord, grant me to know You and to beautifully fear You in all things, that I may glorify You, worship You, and adore You. Strengthen me by Your promises, as water to a thirsting soul. Make me mindful of the things I have not placed before You, and grant me repentance, faith, and boldness in Your Word. Strengthen me to do Your will—regardless of what the world says—laying down the sins of my heart and taking up Your promises. In Jesus’ name. Amen