Lord, for whatever reason—call it insecurity—I care too much about what people think of me. This fear leads me to seek approval from man rather than from You. When I read that “the fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe”1 I recognize myself, and that’s why I get seduced and dragged down.
I long to fully trust You, knowing that true safety and security come from You alone. As Your servant, I desire to align my heart and actions with Your will. Your Word reminds me that if I tried to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.2 Help me remember that I need to trust in You and Your perfect Word, making my aim to please You, and not man.3
Father, I ask that You strengthen me to resist the fear of those who are like grass, fleeting and temporary.4 May I not forget You, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. Teach me to prioritize Your glory above man’s approval, just as Jesus warned against loving the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.5
Lord, I acknowledge I cannot serve two masters, and I choose to serve You alone.6 May I work heartily as for You and not for men, seeking Your approval in all that I do.7 Help me to take refuge in You, for it is better to trust in You than to trust in man.8 Give me the confidence to declare, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”.9
Father, I pray that I would fear You alone, the One who holds both soul and body, and not those who can only harm the body.10 Help me to obey You rather than men, following the example of Peter and the apostles.11