When People Are Big and God Is Small

Five college students pitch a tent by their car one dark night, not realizing they’ve set up camp by a military runway. They awake from a deep sleep to the shaking of the earth and a roar like mountains falling―the sound of a military transport plane taking off right over their heads. Can you imagine the visceral terror of that moment? For author and biblical counselor Edward Welch, it was a glimpse of what the Israelites experienced in God’s presence at Mount Sinai. Our God is a consuming fire. His holiness and relentless love put our sin, our weakness, and our fears in perspective. If we can learn the fear of the Lord―a fear that in Christ is filled with gratitude, love, and devotion―we can break free of the fear of other people that so easily entangles us. We can experience joy in our Christian lives as we need other people less and love them more. This groundbreaking work has helped countless numbers of people to confront their fear of man and live in freedom. The new edition features clarifying additions, new material, and revisions throughout.

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Preface to the Second Edition
4. Introduction: Love Tanks with a Leak
5. Part 1: How and Why We Fear Others | Chapter 1: “People Will See Me”
6. Chapter 2: “People Will Reject Me”
7. Chapter 3: “People Will Physically Hurt Me”
8. Chapter 4: “The World Wants Me to Fear People”
9. Part 2: Overcoming Fear of Others | Chapter 5: Know the Fear of the Lord
10. Chapter 6: Grow in the Fear of the Lord
11. Chapter 7: Biblically Examine Your Felt Needs
12. Chapter 8: Know Your Real Needs
13. Chapter 9: Delight in the God Who Fills You
14. Chapter 10: Love Your Enemies and Your Neighbors
15. Chapter 11: Love Your Brothers and Sisters
16. Conclusion: “Fear God and Keep His Commandments”
17. Seven Steps to Overcoming Fear of Others
18. Closing Credits