Facing Fear with Faith

Each day in our life brings a new set of tests and challenges. One day
we feel like we can conquer the world, and everything goes right…yet
there are times when we feel alone, afraid, and discouraged.

God knew we’d face these struggles, so he left us his word, and the wonderful
and inspiring stories in the Bible to help us cope and be refreshed, when life
seems unfair or depressing.

God doesn’t want us to live in fear and his word says…

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely,
and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Proverbs 1:33

Today, let’s look at some of the struggles David faced, to help
us understand God’s amazing plan for us as well.

David had miraculously killed the giant Goliath with a slingshot and stone…
but the giant of fear was continually trying to come against him.

King Saul hated him and he knew soon he would have
to give his kingdom over to David, because God was with him.

Saul was afraid of David because he could see the hand of the
LORD protecting him, and he decided to plot a new strategy
to get rid of him for good.

David knew Saul was out to get him, but continued to hold up
his shield of faith and trusted in God to deliver him from
the wrath of the king.

Saul no longer wanted David in his house playing the harp, so he appointed
David to be captain over 1,000 people. All the people of Judah and Israel
loved him.

Saul said to David, I will give you my daughter Merab to be your wife,
but you must be valiant for me and fight the LORD’S battles.

Saul’s hatred for David grew and he hoped David would be killed by
the Philistines when he went out to battle.

Then he would be rid of David, but the murder would not be
directly tied to him. He hoped then God would change his
mind and allow him to remain king of Israel.

David felt unworthy to be the king’s son-in-law and questioned
why a man from such a poor family would be granted this honor.

Saul re-nigged on his promise and gave his daughter Merab to a man
named Adreil for his wife.

Michal was Saul’s younger daughter and she had a deep love for David.

When Saul found out, he was pleased and offered Michal to David for
his wife.

Saul sent his servants to David saying, the king desires no dowry for
his daughter. He only requests you bring him 100 foreskins of the
Philistines. Saul hoped this offer would entice David into attacking
the Philistines and he would be killed.

David eagerly took the king up on his offer. He went out against the
Philistines and presented the king with 200 foreskins of the enemy to
seal the deal and hopefully win Saul’s favor.

Saul gave David his daughter Michal as his wife, for he saw that the
hand of the LORD was with him and his daughter loved him greatly.

Saul was continually David’s enemy and lived in fear of him…but David
behaved wisely and trusted God would continue to protect and deliver
him.

In the quiet hours David would write down his thoughts in Psalms,
which God would preserve for thousands of years to encourage us when
we feel discouraged or afraid.

David wrote…
The LORD is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?
the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

His enemy Saul would persecute him for many years, but David
would not be defeated by the giant of fear.

Perhaps today you are living in the shadow of the giant of fear.

The Bible says, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power,
love, and a sound mind.

Whenever we are afraid, we only need to open God’s word and
read his beautiful promises to find strength and hope.

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the
LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee,
nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6

God loved you so much he sent Jesus to die for your sins on the cross
at Calvary. We must realize that fear of man or the future is sin.

All through the scriptures we see God saying FEAR NOT!!!

We must go to God and repent of the sin of fear.

We drive out those fears by speaking God’s word
and walking in love…even to those who are our enemies.

Jesus said,
Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray
for them which despitefully use you….But love ye your enemies, and do good and lend,
hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the
children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:27-28, 35-36

May we learn the skill of casting out fear like David and Jesus, with the shield
of FAITH and LOVE!

Beloved…Do not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good!

O Merciful Father in heaven,

I need you to wash away,

My painful past so that I may

Be clean to start a brand new life.

One free from anger, pain, and strife.

For by your stripes, we were healed.

Help me Jesus to no longer feel,

Emotional bondage, to keep me chained.

Erase those fearful memories that still remain.

Replace them with fresh hopes and plans.

For through your strength, I know I can

Achieve the goals you’ve made for me.

For by your blood, I’m finally free

to complete my mission in life.

Show me how I may use my life

to win souls for the kingdom and

give you glory.

Father we lift up prayers to you for Dody, Brian, Dick, Margie, Jane, CoCo, Joanne,

Kesmy, Dennis, Walter, Evelyn, Gloria, Diane, Denise, Mary, Shirley, Kristi,

Theresa, James, Murline, and all who are suffering from sickness or adversity.

Wrap your loving arms around each one of your children and give them the strength

they need to keep pressing on toward the good plan you have for their lives.

We know the trials and tests in life produce faith and help us to grow into

mature men and women who can be godly witnesses and disciples.

Father we pray for Crystal and her husband. Keep them safe and help them to grow

more in love with you and each other every day. Bless their marriage and keep them

safe from evil and temptation.

Father I thank you for 30 years of marriage for me and my husband. You have blessed

us and we are thankful for all the blessings you have given us over these many years.

Keep us strong, in faith, and if it is your will bless us with many more years of health,

happiness, and peace.

Father many areas of our world are in draught. Bless us with rain and keep us safe

from flood, peril, or damage to our crops or property. Thank you for sunshine and

all the bountiful crops you have blessed us with.

We offer to you our praise and thanks for abundantly

providing for all our needs and always hearing

and answering our prayers at just the right time.

Show us how we may serve you today and make you smile.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen

What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that

he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed

shall inherit the earth. Psalm 25:12-13

In Christian love,

Valerie Rousseau