Misplaced

 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. – Proverbs 29:25

Fear has found a new fame these days. Just turn on the news and folks are lining up to tell you what to dread.  Sadly, for some, apprehension has become the defining element of their life, every decision is made in relation to fear.

In the Bible, Eve was tempted by the twisted fear she was missing out on being wise like God. It nudged her into a full disobedience and numbed her to the righteous fear of breaking relationship with her loving creator.  She succumbed to what Bible scholars call misplaced fear, alarmed about something completely outside of her control.  Further, her decision moved her into the confusing world of misplaced faith; believing anything but a right relationship with God will bring security. Misplaced fear and misplaced faith – both redirect you AWAY from God’s character and the peace He has for you. 

Righteous fear builds resilience in the face of uncertainty: “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied” (Proverbs 19:23).  And righteous faith in God through Jesus Christ anchors your security: “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him (Hebrews 7:25).

Do a self-check today. Are you quietly terrorized by what might happen next or mistakenly placing faith in preparations you have made for the future? Put your trust first in God and His Son, rest in His designs to restore the world to His glory. Pray today for decision makers in healthcare and government to join you in considering themselves before their Creator, asking that many will rightly place their faith and their fear in Him.