Fear or Faith, Snare or Safety, Bondage or Liberty

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe (Prov 29:25).

By the fear of the LORD, men DEPART FROM EVIL; by the fear of man, they RUN INTO EVIL.  Fear brings us into the snare; faith brings us into liberty, safety, exaltation.

Here is one of the great paradoxes of the Bible, a truth that runs contrary to our natural instincts.  The man who depends on the world for happiness (who seems to have such freedom and liberty) is in bondage.  The servant of God (who seems to live under such strict restraints) is in liberty.

May I recognize, seek, and treasure the liberty and safety that comes from trusting God.  May I refuse to fear man.