In her famous poem, “Our Deepest Fear,” Marianne Williamson touches on a profound truth that resonates deeply with the teachings of the Bible. Contrary to popular belief, this poem was not quoted by Nelson Mandela in his Inaugural Speech in 1994. This is a common misconception. Full poem is shown at the end of this article.
The poem reminds us that our greatest fear is not our inadequacy, but our potential to be powerful beyond measure.
This message aligns beautifully with the biblical understanding of our identity and purpose as children of God.
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Understanding Our True Identity
Williamson writes, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” This reflects the biblical truth that we are created in the image of God:
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
GENESIS 1:27
Our potential is not something to be feared but embraced. God has given each of us unique gifts and talents intended for His glory and the service of others.
Embracing the Light Within Us
“It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us,” Williamson continues.
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the light of the world:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
JOHN 8:12
and as His followers, we are called to reflect His light:
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
We are often more comfortable hiding in the shadows of our perceived limitations rather than stepping into the light of our God-given potential.
Yet, Scripture encourages us to let our light shine before others, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.
Rejecting False Humility
Williamson challenges us with the question, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” and answers, “Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.”
This echoes the biblical teaching that we are fearfully and wonderfully made:
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
psalm 139:14
True humility is not about denying our strengths but about recognizing that our abilities come from God and should be used for His purposes. Playing small does not serve the world or honor God.
Manifesting God’s Glory
“We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us,” Williamson asserts. This statement is biblically backed!
The Bible instructs us to use our gifts to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms:
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11
The Apostle Paul also reminds us that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do:
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
EPHESIANS 2:10
Empowering Others
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” This principle aligns with the biblical practice to encourage and build each other up:
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:11
When we live out our calling boldly and authentically, we inspire others to do the same!
Our courage and confidence can help liberate others from their fears!
Liberation from Fear
Williamson concludes, “As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
The Bible speaks of perfect love casting out fear:
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 JOHN 4:18
When we embrace God’s love and His purpose for our lives, we can live fearlessly. Our freedom and confidence in Christ have the power to influence and inspire those around us.
Conclusion
Marianne Williamson’s “Our Deepest Fear” is a powerful reminder of the biblical truths about our identity and purpose.
We are not to fear our potential but to embrace it, shining brightly as reflections of God’s glory. By doing so, we not only fulfill our God-given purpose but also inspire and empower others to do the same.
Let us step boldly into the light, confident in who we are as children of God, and live out our calling with faith not fear.
“Our Deepest Fear” Poem by Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the World.
There is nothing enlightening about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel unsure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
As we let our own Light shine,
we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
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