Devotionals

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"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:6 KJV)

Will not fear... What man shall do... Unto me... Hmmm... I do not think it would take a lot of really deep thought to think of the very real pain that one human can cause another. Whether it is the extremes of torture or the pain of heart break and disappointment, I think each is keenly aware of the pain one person can (and often does) cause another. Many times, it is even the pain we cause ourselves. It is specifically because of the pain, that we know so well, that another can (and often does) do to us that we shift into management mode to mitigate at least some of that. Once that shift is made, we then perceive the Lord as a helper not so much as a helper for boldness, but as a helper in the sense of relief, shelter, and rejuvenation.

Certainly, God does that too! However, this passage is questioning the fear we have of man in direct contrast to the fear we rightly must have of God. The amazing thing is that fear is actually fully removed in the developing trust of surrender. We find that obedience may contain pain, but it is a very different pain than that of disobedience. We find that honesty may hurt, but it is a very different hurt than dishonesty. We find that commitment with integrity may involve turmoil, but it is a very different turmoil than forsaking commitments. We find that contentment may seem lonely, but it is a very different loneliness than a room so full of stuff that no one can join you. In surrendering to Jesus in both the moment and the long term, we find that He provides a very great boldness to step through the fears. He develops both an understanding of and a willingness to love in that same process.

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5 KJV)

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