“I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?”

— Isaiah 51:12 (NLT)

Fear is a powerful trap of the enemy, meant to keep us bound. It often begins small, like a mouse trap, but can grow into a deep well if left unchecked. God has not created anyone to live in fear.

As we face challenges in our day-to-day lives, we may feel concerned. But even in those moments, the Bible reminds us not to fear any human being.

Back in our home country, life was simple and free. We had the liberty to eat, play outside, and explore—watching the roads, people, trees, and animals. It was a joyful time. When I was young, I was also a fussy eater, and my mother struggled to feed me. Nothing could stop me from running around to avoid being fed.

But there was one elderly man who terrified me, and his presence alone would make me still and accomplish the task—in my case, to eat. Every day, he would pass by our house on his way to and from work. Whenever he saw me with my parents or grandmother, he would gesture with his finger, pretending to cut my nose if I didn’t eat properly.

He was not a stranger. My parents were friends with him, and he seemed to be a kind person—which I understood later.

Even when he saw me simply playing, he continued this gesture. Because he had done it since I was very small, it became deeply rooted in my mind. I truly believed that he would cut my nose if I misbehaved. I remember running away from him. His uniform, his glasses, and his appearance are still vivid in my memory today—all because of that fear.

One day, my parents heard that he had passed away. My mother mourned deeply, as he had been like a father figure to her. But I, on the other hand, felt a strange sense of relief and freedom from that fear.

It was actually a harmless situation. He was never capable of doing such a thing. But when he first saw my fear, it seemed amusing to him. He repeated the gesture, and each time I reacted in fear, he unintentionally gained control over it. Through repetition, that fear took root in me.

Even as adults, we may encounter people who try to intimidate us—through their words, tone, physical presence, wealth, authority, or gestures. It could have started with just one incident, one mistake, one mishap, or one moment of exposing our weakness. Through that same weakness, we may unknowingly give control, allowing fear to gain a stronger hold over our lives—until it feels almost impossible to break free, both physically and emotionally.

It is no wonder that many, especially children and women, struggle for years to come out of situations of abuse, molestation, or harm—where fear has been repeatedly used to control and silence them. But the Bible clearly tells us not to fear man, who will wither like grass and pass away.

We can be respectful, but we should never be fearful. Many times, those who threaten others are themselves fearful or insecure, and often incapable of doing what they claim.

Above all, we have a God in heaven—our Father, Defender, Shield, Fortress, and Mighty One. He is the voice for the voiceless and the defender of the fatherless and the widow. In His bosom, we find true comfort.

When the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is by your side, who can stand against you? What can mere mortals do to you? (Romans 8:31)

Therefore, trust in the Lord and call upon His name whenever fear arises. The Bible reminds us “do not fear” again and again—enough for every single day of the year. This is God’s loving assurance that we are not meant to live in fear.

The people, situations, and things that bring fear will one day fade away—but the comfort and protection of God will remain forever.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being my comfort and my refuge. Help me to release every fear that tries to take hold of my heart. Remind me daily that You are greater than any person or situation I face. Teach me to trust You fully and to walk in boldness, knowing You are always by my side.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.