Different people suffer from different phobias, and no phobia makes much sense but the fear is real. This reminds me of another phobia that many of us have—the fear of the opinions and actions of others. How must it look to God when we think and act as if our well-being rests solely in the hands of people? How does it look to the One who is in control when we become so afraid of people that we panic and forget to trust entirely in Him? Well, the prophet Isaiah told us. He said that fearing the reproach of people is foolish because they are dying creatures who, like grass, are here today and gone tomorrow (51:12).   Yes, people can do us great harm, but the Lord has the last word.  Our future and everlasting well-being depend on Him and Him alone.

“Lord, help me to realise that You hold the now and future in Your hands.”

Faith can break the stranglehold of fear.