Glossofobia

Nº 309

July 2, 2024

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, In a believer’s ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear. - John Newton

While looking for some information on Independence Day I bumped into a list of odd celebrations. Someone has determined that July 2nd is Freedom from Fear of Speaking Day! Who knew?

Apparently, the Freedom from Fear of Speaking Day provides an opportunity for people to admit their fear, meet others who struggle speaking in front of groups, and encourage people to share tips on how to overcome their glossophobia (fear of public speaking).

Moses had glossophobia. From a burning bush, God commissioned Moses to deliver a message to Pharoah, but Moses balked. He replied, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent...I am slow of speech and of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10) Moses’ fear, related to an area of perceived weakness, incapacitated him.

God graciously provided Aaron, Moses’ brother, to do the talking. The real solution, however, was God’s promise of His presence: “I will be with your mouth.” (Exodus 4:15b)

Not everyone fears public speaking, but we all fear something. Whatever the fear, the solution is always the same – the promise of God’s presence. Whether glossophobia, ombrophobia, ephebiphobia, or hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia, God Himself promises to be with us. And as with Moses, God will use our area of weakness for His glory.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President