This morning’s Our Daily Bread devotional, Unfounded Fears by Karen Huang, hit a deep chord with me. It reminded me that fear can hijack our destiny—especially when we let it dictate our decisions instead of trusting God.
Two Kings, Two Fears
The story begins with Solomon, a man blessed with unmatched wisdom and wealth—yet whose heart wandered from God. Solomon lacked the fear of the Lord, marrying many foreign wives and tolerating their idols, despite God’s clear instructions to kings (1 Kings 11:1–10). Because of this, God announced He would tear the kingdom away from Solomon’s son, Rehoboam.
That’s where Jeroboam enters the story. His name means “may the people increase” or “the people will contend”—and God promised him rule over ten tribes (1 Kings 11:31–39). Jeroboam’s opportunity came not because of his own ambition, but because of God’s sovereign choice.
Yet Jeroboam fell into a different trap: the fear of man. Afraid that his people would return to Rehoboam if they worshiped in Jerusalem, Jeroboam set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan and appointed priests who were not Levites (1 Kings 12:26–33). This idolatry became the defining mark of his reign—and the reason for his ultimate downfall (1 Kings 13:33–34; 14:9–11).
Fear’s Two Sides
- Solomon’s downfall: Lacked the fear of God, replacing obedience with self-indulgence.
- Jeroboam’s downfall: Feared man more than God, leading to compromise and idolatry.
“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” — Proverbs 29:25
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” — 1 John 4:18
Holding On to Love and Truth
In the devotional, Karen Huang shared the story of Julia, a woman whose past trauma caused her to fear losing her husband. Yet his consistent, loving words reminded her she was secure. When we hold on to God’s promises in the same way—treasuring His Word in our hearts—we break the cycle of fear and avoid self-sabotage.
Like Julia, we must cling to the truth of God’s love:
- He is faithful.
- His promises are sure.
- His perfect love casts out fear.
📌 Lessons from Jeroboam
- Fear is a trap – Jeroboam had God’s promise but let fear dictate his choices (Proverbs 29:25).
- Compromise corrupts worship – Political convenience led him to invent new worship practices outside God’s commands.
- God’s promises require obedience – He was offered a lasting dynasty if he followed God’s ways (1 Kings 11:38), but disobedience destroyed that promise.
- Short-term security can mean long-term loss – His idols secured political power briefly but brought lasting spiritual damage.
- Repentance matters – Even after miraculous warnings, he hardened his heart (1 Kings 13:33–34).
Final Reflection
Jeroboam had God’s promise but let fear rewrite the script. Solomon had God’s wisdom but let pride rewrite the ending. Both remind us:
- Fear can twist blessings into burdens.
- Compromise can replace calling.
- Only trust in God keeps us steady.
So today, let’s walk in confidence, speak His promises, share His Word, and live free from fear—because love, not fear, is the foundation for a secure future.
📖 Key Scriptures for Overcoming Fear
- Proverbs 29:25 – “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”
- 1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God…”
- Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”
- Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”