AnxietySample

Biblical Snapshots of Anxiety — Saul and the Fear of People’s Opinions

Section Introduction (Days 17–20): For the next few days, we are going to look at biblical snapshots of anxiety. Scripture does not hide the fact that even God’s people wrestled with fear, doubt, pressure, and questions. Their stories remind us that anxiety is not new, but neither is God’s presence and truth. Each snapshot helps us see both the weight of anxious feelings and the greater power of trusting God in the midst of them.

The command from God was clear: destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. But Saul hesitated. The people wanted to keep the best of the livestock, and their voices grew louder than God’s. When Samuel confronted him, Saul admitted the truth: “I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them.” Fear of people’s opinions stirred anxious feelings in Saul’s heart and pulled him away from obedience.

The same can happen in our lives. Maybe you said yes to something you did not have the capacity for because you were afraid of letting someone down. Maybe you hid a part of yourself because you feared being judged. When fear of people becomes greater than fear of God, anxiety grows and peace disappears.

But Scripture reminds us that the fear of man is a trap. God has called us to trust Him above all else. When we seek His approval more than the approval of people, we find safety and peace in His presence.

Prayer:
Lord, I confess that I sometimes let the opinions of others stir anxious feelings in me. Teach me to trust Your voice above every other voice and remind me that true peace comes from obeying You.

Daily Challenge:
Notice one moment today when you feel anxious about what others think. Stop and pray Proverbs 29:25, choosing to trust God’s approval instead of chasing people’s approval.