Title: 'OVERCOME SHYNESS' - Visual Prayer Art

Title: 'OVERCOME SHYNESS' - Visual Prayer Art by Rev.Bola A.

Are you shy, bashful, diffident?
Do you have a manner that shows discomfort or lack of confidence in association with others?
Do you shrink from contact or close association with others, or wish to escape notice:  
Are you shy and retiring or do you feel timid about meeting other people?
Some who are shy, experience trepidation and awkward behavior when brought into prominence or notice. Others often  experience self-distrust, fear of censure, failure, etc., and have a hesitant, tentative manner as a consequence.

If this is you, help is at hand.
First let me extend my sincere compassion and understanding. 
I used to be a very shy person myself, and suffered acutely from the fear of public speaking. 
Whenever confronted by any form of bullying I would shake, stutter sweat and begin to clam up. Fortunately by the Grace of God I managed to overcome so much of that. 
So I know it is also possible for you to do the same.

Here are some great offerings to consider:- 

'The human mind is like Salome at the beginning of dance, hidden from the outside world by seven veils. Veils of reserve, shyness, fear.' (PK)

'My children have taught me things. Things I thought I knew. The most profound wisdom they have given me is a respect for human vulnerability. I have known that people are resilient, but I didn't appreciate how fragile they are. Until children learn to hide their feelings, you read them in their faces, gestures, and postures. The sheer visibility of shyness, pain, and rejection let me recognize and remember them.' - (SNG)

Shyness is actually a type of fear, and can be treated as such.

There are many verses in the Scriptures to treat fear. Here are some of them:-

2 Timothy 1:7 

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Isaiah 41:10 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; 
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 56:3-4 

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; 
I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

 2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

 John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." 

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

The entirety of Psalm 23 of the Bible is a helpful chapter to memorize, and is particularly powerful in  relieving all forms of fear, including shynesss

You may also now wish to pray the following prayer:-

Dear Lord,

My fear has trapped and consumed me. 

But I am tired of living under the weight of my fears. 

These verses reassure me of your presence and 

confirm that you are able to deliver me from my trouble. 

 Please give me your love and your power to replace these fears. 

Your perfect love casts out my fear. 

 I thank you for promising to give me the peace that only you can give. 

I receive that peace now as I ask you to still my troubled heart. 

Because you are with me, I don't have to be afraid.

Amen.

God Bless You. Peace and Love from Rev.Bola

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