So many times the Bible tells us to not be afraid. That probably means nothing to non-Christians. But for us Christians, if God keeps telling us, "don't be afraid", then why is it so hard for us to not be afraid?
I've written before about my issues with depression. And I know much of it comes from even a tiny moment of fear.
I've also written so many times about how God keeps telling us in the Bible, "don't be afraid", or various words to that effect.
Some of you regular readers might have noticed, it's been several weeks since anything's been published here. Guess why? It's been a tough several weeks. Because of something that really shouldn't have been a big deal. And yet, it was.
There didn't seem to be a way out of it. Even though, at some level, I knew it made no sense.
Summary
The article discusses the challenge Christians face in adhering to the biblical command “do not be afraid,” despite frequent reminders in the Bible. It explores the struggle with fear and depression, referencing the story of David and Goliath and the concept of spiritual warfare.
Struggle with Fear: The author discusses the challenge Christians face in adhering to the biblical command “do not be afraid,” despite frequent reminders in the Bible.
David and Goliath: A sermon on David and Goliath resonates with the author, highlighting the verse where David trusts God to deliver him from Goliath as He did from lions and bears.
Spiritual Warfare: The article emphasizes that Christians’ battles are spiritual, against dark forces, not physical enemies, referencing Ephesians 6:10-18 about the armor of God.
Faith Over Fear: The author reflects on the importance of trusting God even when facing fears, drawing parallels with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s unwavering faith in God’s deliverance.
The page concludes by emphasizing the importance of trust in God’s plan, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. It highlights the biblical story of David and Goliath as an example of overcoming fear through faith. The author reflects on personal struggles with fear and depression, finding solace in the message that God’s peace surpasses all understanding. Ultimately, the text encourages Christians to remember that victory in life’s battles comes through steadfast faith, not by our own strength.
Don't be afraid.
Then there was Sunday's sermon. About David and Goliath. You know, where the young, small kid, a shepherd, takes on the nine-foot tall Goliath. Even though everyone else is "smart enough" to be afraid, David just goes and gets the job done.
You probably think that's what got me out of it. But it wasn't. At least not in the sense you're probably thinking.
Instead, it was a verse that probably doesn't get much attention most of the time. But on this particular Sunday, it did. I felt kind of like the sermon was for me.
What's the verse?
This one.
The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.
Huh? That? I've never been saved from a lion or a bear. There are both mountain lions and bears in the hills/mountains just a few miles from where we live. But all we've got where I am is coyotes. Although, we do have the most dangerous predator on the planet - people.
If you don't know about David and Goliath, you can read it starting at 1 Samuel 1.
Be afraid?
Let's go over a portion of the passage. It's probably a different point of emphasis from what you expect. And in the end, I'm also going to point out that, believe it or not, we're not all David. Therefore, we need to be careful about applying this whole thing to ourselves.
David and Goliath
...
1Sa 17:33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth.”
You know what? This part is absolutely, totally, are you ready for it - true. No matter how old we are, no matter what sex we are, we are most definitely not ready, or able, to fight the battles we'll face as a Christian. Of course, our fight isn't against Goliath, the Philistine. Rather, our battle is against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Wear armor. God's armor.
That should be familiar to Christians. It's from something Paul wrote in Ephesians.
The Armor of God
Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
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