Fear of Man

As I continue to learn to trust the Lord despite what other people may think of me, I find that each day I am learning to rest in Jesus and not in man just a little bit more. By little, I would say that each day, I step up like a tenth of a percent. The growth is just so minuscule. But it's growth. 

The fear of man is a slow drift from holy dependence to human validation. It will have you performing acts of devotion that look spiritual but are rooted in insecurity. It will have you  over-explaining or over-proving, hoping to stay in people's good graces -- when you have ALREADY BEEN COVERED by God's good grace. 

At its core, fear of man is rebellion wearing religious clothing. Because anytime we give someone else the authority to define our worth, we've built an idol. 

Gulp. 

This Bible verse, really, really, really spoke to me. A bit part of anxiety is a feeling of being "unsafe" in your body. But this Bible verse shows that trust in the Lord brings you the safety your body so greatly desires. 

I stumbled upon a Facebook post yesterday from Riley Gaines sharing how she does not live to please people. 

Do I?

Do you know ... or do I know ... that I have the RIGHT to negotiate for my own needs, desires, and preferences in every relationship. Every single time? 

Really?! Even with family? Even with close friends? I'm allowed to say: I'm sorry. That isn't working for me? 

Seriously? 

I am allowed to voice my opinion even if others disagree. 

Seriously? 

I still can't believe that is true. 

Their discomfort with my opinion is not a reason that I should abandon my opinion. 

Oh

my

goodness.

Woah.

I have the right to determine who has the privilege (and yes, I wrote privilege) of being in my life. Not everyone deserves access to me and my tender heart. 

Woah. 

Seriously.

It'll take me a long time to continue to digest all of these things.