October 23
October 23
Fear of God has the power to defeat all other fears in your life.
I love dramatic moments in Scripture. When I read a dramatic narrative and feel the tension build, I often imagine an orchestra swelling and timpani drums beginning to roll. We find one such drama in 1 Samuel 17. The army of Israel has assembled in the Valley of Elah to battle the Philistine army. Remember, Israel is the people of God. God had promised them that he would unleash his almighty power to defeat the pagan nations and deliver the land he had promised to his people. This is the army of the Most High God, the Lord of hosts. Nothing rivals his power or authority. He can do with the nations whatever he wills.
On the first day of battle, the great giant, Goliath, taunts the Israelite soldiers, and they run back into their tents in fear. This goes on for forty days. What a moral and spiritual scandal! How can God’s army live in such fear? Then David shows up. He is not a soldier, but he volunteers to fight Goliath. Why isn’t David afraid of this huge warrior? The answer is clear. Fear of God frees him from being afraid of Goliath. David has experienced the power of God. He comes to the valley in the fear of the Lord, so he faces Goliath unafraid and, in God’s power, wins the victory.
Are you afraid? Does fear shape your actions, reactions, and responses more than faith does? Does fear cause you to be timid and avoidant? Does fear interrupt your sleep and distract you during the day? If so, read Luke 12:4–7 and take heart:
I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Notice how this tender passage begins. Jesus addresses his followers as friends. Think about what it means to be chosen as a friend of God. As a friend of the King of kings, what would I possibly fear? If God is my friend, can’t I count on him to exercise his power and authority for my good?
As the disciples’ friend, Jesus reminds them that he alone holds their eternal destiny in his hands. Then Jesus reminds his followers of the Father’s care. He remembers the birds, and are his people not more valuable than birds? Their Father keeps such careful watch over his children that he even keeps an accurate accounting of their hairs.
Remember, only fear of God (an awe that produces a rest of heart) can defeat all other fears.