Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.

1 Samuel 12:24 ESV

Being a people-pleaser is not something to be proud of. It is based on fear of rejection, punishment, or abandonment. Not until recently did I realize that I work to please people more than I want to please God. Ouch! That’s a hard reality to face.

After humbling myself, I turned my face to God. I admitted to Him what He already knew. And then I asked Him for forgiveness. Again.

I asked Him, Show me what fearing You looks like. How do I fear You more than people? I want to know!

After skirting the issue for many years, I invited Him to go deep with me.

Heavenly Father, reveal the lies I’ve believed and help me to see the truth.

As I quieted myself before God the next day, I sensed Him saying, “Be honest. Be honest with Me, be honest with yourself, and be honest with others.”

Be honest. I didn’t consider myself a liar—but I was untruthful—with God, myself, and others. But. . . if honesty is the way to fear God, then trusting God is also necessary. Do the hard thing no matter what. God honors dependence on Him.

I don’t want to hurt others’ feelings. I don’t want to incite anger. I don’t want to admit my weaknesses and fears.

But I also don’t want to dishonor God, myself, or others with dishonesty. I choose to speak the truth with love.

God, I need Your help!

The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm (Proverbs 19:23 ESV).

Karen Sims