Daily Devo
FEAR
By: Mae Archila
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Fear is like a parasite; it tries to cling to everything in our lives. Fear makes us worry about losing loved ones, jobs, finances, health, hope, and perhaps even our mind. We’ve all experienced fear, but we must remember fear comes from the enemy. Fear eventually fades, but the strength we get from the Lord never does!
The story of David is an excellent example of how to deal with fear when facing a giant (1 Samuel 17:4-11). These crazy, chaotic times we live in can make us fearful, and we may even feel like we're facing a giant of our own. David had reason to fear Goliath, but he conquered his fear by trusting God. His "history" with God helped, as he remembered God's faithful protection while he was a shepherd. Like David, our spiritual history (our testimony) is a powerful tool when we use it for God's glory.
Here's a great acronym for fighting FEAR:
- Focus
- Engage
- Arise
- Release
David’s Focus was on God, not the giant before him. His faith was strengthened as he remembered what God had done in his life. "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." 1 Samuel 17:37
David ran towards the giant, not away from him, because he wanted to Engage his enemy. But He moved forward in God's power, not his own. David was fueled by prayer, praise, and his faith in God. As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 1 Samuel 17:48
David’s heart was willing, so God helped him Arise when everyone else refused. David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine: your servant will go and fight him." 1 Samuel 17:32
David Released his own will and gave it to God. He knew he couldn't win the battle without God. "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands." 1 Samuel 17:47
Fear doesn’t stand a chance when we compare it to God’s goodness! But don't try to fight fear in your own power, call out to God and ask Him to strengthen you, "for the battle is the Lord’s."