Overcoming your fear of God

Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward. - Genesis 15:1

You have a genuine hunger for God. You long to know Him, to walk with Him, yet – and this is the quandary – you’re held back by fear, hesitant to come to Him: You fear being rejected by God. You might feel that you will be turned away at the door because you aren’t good enough and unable to please Him. It might be your fear of what God may expect of you, and your fear of embarking on this journey to find God only to come away with empty hands and heart.

Is the fear of rejection a real one? Will God ask more of you than you can deliver? Or should you ask, More than I want to deliver? In coping with that first fear, ask, “Have I personally experienced disappointment with God?” You also need to ask, “Have I unfairly blamed Him for what I or others were responsible for?”

A study of the phrase “fear not” or “don’t be afraid” in the Bible, almost always is connected to His presence, His power or His acts. You find the words, “Fear not, for I will...” or “Fear not for I have...” or “Fear not for I am...” So ultimately the answer to your fear is confidence in the integrity of God Himself.