Fear is a great motivator when you find yourself in a life-threatening situation. Fear can cause you to run faster, fight harder, and act more quickly than you normally would. For a short period, fear-based reactions can be very useful. Over the long run, though, a fearful approach to life tends to lead to avoidance of problems and poor decision-making. 1 Samuel 17 is a perfect example of this truth.
Twice a day for forty days, a giant named Goliath challenged God’s people. When the army looked at him, all they saw was his nine-foot-tall frame and the immense strength that he possessed. Scripture says that “[King] Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified” (verse 11). Every day, the army drew up its battle line and shouted the war cry as if they were going to fight (verse 20), but when they saw Goliath and heard his shouts, “they all ran from him in great fear” (verse 24). The discussion focused on what they could not do, and the more they spoke about their fear, the more fearful they became.
Then, one day, a young man named David showed up. When he heard what was happening, his response was, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; I will go and fight him” (verse 32). After a brief discussion, King Saul decides that he has no other option, and allows David to fight Goliath. You likely know how the story ends.
What made David run forward when everyone else was running away? What gave him confidence when men many years older than him were scared?
David’s secret was that he was listening to a different voice.
While the army focused on Goliath’s threats, David was reassured by the promises of God. They listened to fear and discouraged each other from even trying, while David found strength and confidence in the fact that God was with him.
Fearful thoughts produce fearful leaders which, in turn, produces fearful followers. Given that each of us leads others in some way, we would do well to guard our thinking.
It is not up to you to win the battle alone, but you must have faith to believe that it can be won.
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid’” (Hebrews 13:6).
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