The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading PlanSample

REFLECTION

The Gospel of Luke tells us that the Jewish religious leaders wanted to get rid of Jesus because “they were afraid of the people” (Luke 22:2). Fear of losing their influence and of the consequences of social unrest fueled their hatred of Jesus and contributed to their desire to have him put to death. We have our own fears, usually less dramatic — loss of security, position, influence, approval, reputation, income and much more — and we make compromises we know we shouldn’t make.

Our fears usually prove to be a snare for us, and they all stem from not trusting God. Fear is behind peer pressure, compromise, an unbridled pursuit of wealth and security, and much of what we do for affirmation and approval. Fear diverts us from an uncompromising commitment to God and his plan for our lives. The remedy is trust: a choice to depend entirely on God for all we need in every area of life. When we trust him completely, no one can intimidate us. We are free to live as he wants us to live.

Taken from Once a Day 31 Days of Wisdom