In my early years as a pastor, I was consumed with trying to people-please and make everyone happy. Acceptance was one of my top priorities. As I was preaching, I would see everyone’s faces and then process with those close to me, “Do you think they are unhappy with me?”

What was that inside me? That was insecurity—rooted in the fear of man.

Insecurity is an internal fear that makes us unsure of who we are, our decisions, and even our relationships. Perhaps you’ve battled insecurity before, or maybe you’re wrestling with it right now. If so, you’re certainly not alone.

In fact, the first king of the nation of Israel—Saul—struggled deeply with the enemy of insecurity. You see, while Saul was in a fierce battle with the Philistines, the Israelite army ended up stuck in a holding pattern in the city of Gilgal. The people were scattering. Saul’s insecurity was mounting… which led him to disobey God’s commands.

In 1 Samuel 13:9, Saul demands, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” So, Saul offered a sacrifice to God… yet kings were forbidden from offering priestly sacrifices. Saul’s insecurity took over, and he stepped way out of line.

Saul ultimately valued people’s voices and opinions more than God’s. Friend, one of the most significant ways to overcome insecurity is saying “yes” to pleasing God and walking in the fear of the Lord! When we seek to please God, it gives us tremendous security.

Take some time to listen to this message with me and discover practical ways you can walk in the fear of the Lord every day and defeat the enemy of insecurity…