April 14
1 Samuel 17:32-19:17; Psalm 59; 1 Samuel 19:18-24
What is the most common command in the Bible? Before you continue reading, take a minute to think about it.
The most common command in the Bible is: Do not be afraid. We see people respond in fear to a myriad of situations— from something small to something overwhelming, to events that might happen today or things in the far future. So, God must remind his people not to fall into this natural pattern of fear; instead to walk in courage. We see this contrast between David and the rest of the Israelite army. The army is cowering in fear at the massive presence of Goliath, while David is willing to approach him with just a sling and five small stones. He had this courage because he knew he had something a lot greater than his weapons—he had God.
This same understanding is critical for us when we feel afraid. Paul David Tripp says, “Fear is defeated only by a bigger, greater fear. Here's what I mean, when the fear of God overwhelms and controls your heart, it protects you from the paralysis and debilitating fear of other things." The key to overcoming fear is to understand that God is greater than the thing that frightens you. For David, it was understanding that God is greater than Goliath. Saul was never able to understand God's greatness and was soon ruled by fear.
Father God, I confess that I struggle with fear. Help me to see your greatness, so I can trust in you and see your power at work in my life and in my circumstances. Amen.
What fear do you need to see as smaller than God's greatness?
What is the most common command in the Bible? Before you continue reading, take a minute to think about it.
The most common command in the Bible is: Do not be afraid. We see people respond in fear to a myriad of situations— from something small to something overwhelming, to events that might happen today or things in the far future. So, God must remind his people not to fall into this natural pattern of fear; instead to walk in courage. We see this contrast between David and the rest of the Israelite army. The army is cowering in fear at the massive presence of Goliath, while David is willing to approach him with just a sling and five small stones. He had this courage because he knew he had something a lot greater than his weapons—he had God.
This same understanding is critical for us when we feel afraid. Paul David Tripp says, “Fear is defeated only by a bigger, greater fear. Here's what I mean, when the fear of God overwhelms and controls your heart, it protects you from the paralysis and debilitating fear of other things." The key to overcoming fear is to understand that God is greater than the thing that frightens you. For David, it was understanding that God is greater than Goliath. Saul was never able to understand God's greatness and was soon ruled by fear.
Father God, I confess that I struggle with fear. Help me to see your greatness, so I can trust in you and see your power at work in my life and in my circumstances. Amen.
What fear do you need to see as smaller than God's greatness?
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