Stop Negative Thoughts Day 3
The Fear of Man
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” — Proverbs 29:25
On day 3 of the fast of negative thoughts, the focus is on the fears we have of what others think. The root of that fear is what Jesus calls the fear of man. You may have heard psychologists call it seeking approval. Seeking approval happens when you are desperately trying to please people. You are putting another human being higher than yourself and higher than God.
The root of this was created in your childhood home environment if you had a parent (caregiver) or sibling that you placed above you, and they never gave praise or were difficult to please. You were created to desire praise. It shapes your self-esteem and points you towards discerning right from wrong. It creates a well of healthy self-esteem and gives you a barometer against unhealthy people.
The first step to cutting off the need for the approval of man, or fear of man, is to ask God what HE thinks. When you ask him what HE thinks of you, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. This is putting him at the center of your heart.
Your Turn.
Think of a situation where you felt terribly judged. Maybe you made a mistake at work and you’re afraid your boss thinks you’re stupid. Maybe you have to get up in front of a group of your peers and you’re afraid they will think you are not competent. One of my struggles is public speaking or singing in public. I had debilitating stage fright as a child. I wanted to be a performing artist really badly, but my fears held me back well into my 20’s.
Ok. Think of this moment. Think of how it feels when you think about this. I often feel frozen inside. Now, take that thought or memory and ask God what he thinks. Does he think you are stupid? Does he think you are a failure? Write down what he says about you. Every time you have one of those thoughts, ask him what he thinks.
God will take those negative thoughts that repeat through your mind and flip them around. Those negative thoughts come from the kingdom of darkness. God will never tell you you are stupid or a failure. This is why it;s so important to go to him to tell you who you are.
What Does God Think Of You?
Scripture for your reflection
“For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1
“Take every thought captive to obey Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalms 139:14
You will get so in the habit of asking him what he thinks, that he will become greater in your mind and your heart, than any of the people in your mind that the enemy tries to pull you down with.
Prayer
Father, teach me to recognize the difference between the voice of accusation and the voice of truth. When fear, shame, or insecurity rise up, remind me of who I am in Christ. Help me to value Your opinion above every other voice, and give me the courage to walk confidently in the calling You have given me. Amen.
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Marjorie Whitley
Marjorie Whitley is a musician and photographer with a prophetic vision. With every snap of her camera, every word she writes, and every note she sings, she shares the messages of hope, healing, and encouragement she receives from her visions of heaven.
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