Old Treasures on Tuesdays!
“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass, that you forget the LORD your Maker?” (Isa. 51:12-13, NIV).
When I read this question from the book of Isaiah, I found it puzzling. “Who are you?” is a probing question. It indicates that Holy Spirit is convicting His children of self-importance. We have thought more highly of ourselves that we ought. Up until there, I get it. We humans do often fall into pride.
However, what does that have to do with fear? If we keep reading that same question, it continues: “Who are you that you fear…?” It seems like the concept of being puffed up, self-confident, and self-reliant… and the concept of being cowering and afraid… would be two contradictory states.
They are not. Holy Spirit explained this to me when I asked Him about it. He pointed out to me that our fears happen in places where we have not yet learned to fully trust Him. Where we are not trusting and relying on Him, we are trusting and relying on human resource as a substitute for Him. Trusting and relying on human resource (instead of on Him) is the essence of pride.
Pride is an ugly way to live. Self-reliance is a miserable way to exist. The façade of self-dependence is a fragile fortress that does not keep fear at bay.
Here is the beautiful alternative that He offers us:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7, NIV).
Living this way, in utter trust and dependence on Him, is the essence of humility. We rely completely on Him for everything that we need. We trust Him deeply to feed us, to lead us, to heal us, to enlighten us, to strengthen us, to encourage us, to answer us, to provide absolutely everything that we need. We trust Him for wisdom in time management. We trust Him for the protection of our children. We trust Him for our next breath. We entrust our very souls into His care.
When anxiety attacks our peace, we come to Him. We humble ourselves once again in the posture of complete dependency and trust. We see ourselves as tiny, and His hand as mighty, loving, and entirely capable. We unburden ourselves, casting each care on Him. We drink in the revelation that He cares for us. And His perfect love once again casts out every fear.
To live in dependence is to live in glorious liberty. To live in humility is to live in deep, deep peace.
Next time fear tries to come and steal our peace away, let’s listen for His gentle voice asking with utmost tenderness, “Who are you, little one, that you fear? I, even I, am He who comforts you. Will you shift the weight of that burden over to Me? I can. I AM. Will you let Me carry it? Will you let Me carry you?”
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In what areas has Daddy taught you to let Him carry the weight? In what areas would you love to learn to do so?
Feeding On Jesus 
Any time a friend blogs on humility, I am reminded of the book my former pastor claimed he had written: The 10 Most Humble People in the World and How I Taught the Other 9.” 😂
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Ha! Sounds like Moses and how he wrote about being the most humble man alive 😀
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We have been recently dealing with an extended family health and financial problem. I have worried about this way, way too much. God has told me that He would handle it, but I continued to worry. Last evening, He told me again to trust Him and accept His help to solve the problem. We saw a glimmer of hope yesterday, and this morning, the answer appeared. The moment it appeared and was expressed, He whispered in my ear, “I told you I would do it, and I did.” Thank you, Father! He is faithful!!
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I am rejoicing with you, reading this testimony of His faithfulness! It really does bring joy to my heart and encourages my faith. Praises to Jesus! (My reply is slower than usual because I hit an extra busy patch with ministry and family stuff). Much love to you all!
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Thanks, Jennifer. God is faithful, and doubt is a tool of satan that I can’t let him use.
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Amen. I am so grateful that the Jesus so faithfully carries out His work as the Author and Perfecter of our faith!
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Jennifer, when you mention the contradictory states of pride, it made me think about something I’ve noticed in myself. Pride might make me do something to attract attention, and it can also keep me from doing something for fear it might attract attention. Either way, the motive is the fear of man. There’s only one reason I should step forward and do something, and that is because God wants me to. I can’t know my true motives, I can only trust God to purify them and give me grace when my motives are selfish and prideful.
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My best friend and I were just talking about this exact subject a few days ago, so it makes me smile with quiet joy to read here almost the same words as what she was sharing with me. Probably not coincidentally, she, like you, is gifted musically. She was talking about how there have been times that she finds herself not singing out in worship because her voice naturally carries at a loud and very beautiful volume and over the years she has gotten so much attention over it that she has had to learn to go through a process of coming into freedom to be able to sing with all her heart to Him without consciousness of whether it will be gleaning human attention (which she wanted to avoid because of wanting to cultivate humility in her life, but it had gone in the opposite direction of causing too much self-consciousness). I say a heartfelt amen to your ultimate statement, that all we can do is continue to step out in obedience to His lead and entrust unto Him the job and responsibility (which He will so faithfully carry out) to purify our heart motives continually. To You be the glory forever Jesus!
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A marriage is a time to rejoice! Two people joining under God’s guidance and love. Two families getting to know each other and embracing (hopefully!) the love shared between those getting married.
The event itself can be stressful to organise! Thankfully my fiance and I have had lots of offers of assistance. It doesn’t stop that worry when something deviates from the plan after agreement has been reached! God helps in those moments, reminding us to be patient and trust in Him, always.
Thank you for sharing what holy spirit has laid on your heart. ❤️
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You are so very welcome, Hamish. And I am rejoicing with you in this season of preparation for your marriage! How exciting!
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