Fear makes people timid. When you listen to fear, you start responding in timid ways. You might feel like moving forward is impossible. You could struggle with knowing what your heart wants, and being a strong person probably won’t seem like an option.

One of the big problems with timidity is it feels so natural. Depending on your circumstances, being timid can seem like a good idea, because what if something goes wrong? What if you’re making a bad decision? What if this choice ends up hurting you? What if?

Timidity is a form of self-protection that doesn’t turn to the Lord for help. Instead, it says things like:

“I don’t think I can do this. I’ve tried this before, and it hurt then, and it will probably hurt this time too.” 

“It’s too hard.”

“It is better if I don’t say anything. I don’t want to rock the boat.”

It is impossible to be who you really are when you’re being timid. Timidity is like trying to live your life with a scarf wrapped around your eyes.

What does God say about timidity?

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Tim. 1:7 NLT)

As a beloved child of God, you are powerful. You are filled with love and surrounded by love. You have what it takes to keep moving forward. That is the truth about who you are. 

With those things in mind—are you being timid where God is asking you to stand up and be bold?

Is there an area in your life where you need to say no to fear?

Are you second-guessing yourself when God has already told you what to do?

• Maybe you need to take a risk in your dating life.

• Maybe you need to trust the Lord with your finances.

• Maybe you need to have that uncomfortable conversation and just get it over with.

• Maybe you need to recognize how much God really, truly loves you and how He thinks you hung the moon. Timidity can keep you from seeing the truth about His love.

When the Holy Spirit whispers to your heart, “It is time to be brave,” don’t be afraid to trust Him.

This week, if you sense yourself being pulled into timidity, stop and ask the following questions:

• When you set the fear or worry aside, what is left? How do you feel?

• What is your faith saying about this situation?

• Has the Lord already spoken to you about this situation? Did He already tell you what to do?

• What does His Word say?

• What is the Holy Spirit currently saying?

Timidity is not what God has for you. You get to be who you are—bold and strong and fearless—because He is your Father, and He is with you.

Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will also help you,
I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10 NASB)

He loves you more than you know! He is helping you, and you don’t need to be timid any longer.

Your heavenly Father loves you more than you realize! For more about His amazing, unending love, check out Becoming the One by Salomé Roat. Click here to learn more. The book is also available in Spanish.