Psalm 118:6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

In Japanese, “confidence” is written with characters that mean “self belief.” When I am teaching English to Japanese, I tell them I don’t like the Japanese term at all, because if I trust in myself, I will always let myself down. However, I have assurance that God can do anything through me, and that is far better than self belief. We have no idea who wrote this Psalm, but it is one that Jesus quoted. (Matthew 21:42) The author had certainly tasted the joy of being used by God, and his perspective was molded by that experience. When our focus is on God and we know that He is for us, then the opinions and actions of people recede greatly in importance. Paul wrote famously on this point in Romans 8:31-39. In this world we will have trouble, (John 16:33) but it’s no big deal when our focus is on God. Fear of man really destroys our enjoyment of life, just as it says in Proverbs 29:25. The image in this verse is that of a little child, boldly confronting bullies because he’s holding on to his daddy’s hand. That’s a very good, very secure way to be.

I was raised in an atmosphere of trusting God, so the attitude in this verse comes fairly naturally to me. However, I have twisted things around a great deal many times in my life, doing such things as allowing others’ opinions of me cause me to do things that weren’t good, as well as being conceited, trusting in the gifts God had given me rather than in the One who gave them to me. Every time I have allowed that to happen, the results have not been good. That should give me understanding and empathy for those to whom I minister. I am constantly dealing with people who are paralyzed either by what others think of them or, more often, by what they are afraid others will think of them. This verse is exactly the truth they need. However, just quoting it to them doesn’t do the trick; they have to receive it, and I can’t make that happen in my own strength. I’ve got to pray for them, that the Holy Spirit would reveal this truth to their hearts so that they may be set free.

Father, You know who is on my heart right now, because they are on Your heart. I do ask You to speak to their heart, revealing Your love and Your power in ways they can receive, so that they may be set free from the traps of the enemy indeed, for the blessing of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!