#FEARLESS365 is a yearlong study of God’s commandment to us to live without fear. For 365 days, we will focus on one scripture and volunteers from all over the world will share their personal thoughts and what God has shared with them on the specific verse. For more info… go here.

“If you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear.”

Job 11:14-15

In this scriptural passage, it appears that Zophar the Naamathite is reprimanding a suffering Job, attempting to persuade him to admit his “sin” to God. The reference to “your tent” may even go a bit further, admonishing Job’s family.  I find the book of Job an interesting study in learning patience, trusting God and how to withstand trials.  We see how Job’s “friends” reacted to his undeserved misfortune.  Reading the first chapter of this book, we see that Satan asks God to let him tempt Job and because God is so confident in Job, He allows him to be tested.  Even so, we are told and we know that all scripture is given for instruction in righteousness. God has a purpose for every scripture.

So, taking this verse on stand-alone value, simply on its own merits, the quote speaks to me of God’s love and mercy — that putting away sinful behavior and being contrite before God will enable me to confidently come before God’s throne of mercy.  All throughout history, God speaks to us about putting away our sin, not hiding it (which the reference to the tent might also indicate), and curbing our pride.  It is so awesome and sometimes incomprehensible to me, that because He truly cares about us stupid, frail little creatures, that God forgives us.  He protects the sincere and humble, those who seek Him and His Will.  This gives us such joy and assurance! We exist in a fallen world.  But even though we are constant sinners, I believe that if we sincerely attempt do His Will and draw near to God, because of His patient, amazing grace, we can put away our fear and live each day in wonderful anticipation of eternity — in our Father’s Presence.

S. A. Monkress is a Retired tax accountant and currently a free-lance writer from Gulfport, Mississippi.