Devotional

“The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?” —Psalm 27:1 

 There are a lot of things in this world to fear. Psychiatrists have gone so far as to name some strange “phobias,” including …  

• Cyberphobia — the fear of computers  
• Chrometophobia — the fear of money  
• Peladophobia — the fear of baldness  
• Phobophobia — wait for it … the fear of fear!  

 Humor aside, fear is a real thing. And it can destroy a life.  

 If you struggle with fear, you are not alone! And thankfully, you do not have to overcome it alone either. God is always there. And His power to overcome is available to you. Here are four keys to fighting fear taken from the familiar story of David and Goliath found in 1 Samuel 17: 

 Face it. No one would step up to fight the giant accosting Israel’s army. Except David, a teenage boy armed with a slingshot and some stones.  

 In 1 Samuel 17:45 it says, “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty … this day the Lord will hand you over to me…’”  

 What confidence! Because of his relationship with the Lord, David knew he could face — and defeat — Goliath. You can too. 

Remember … God has helped you before. When talking to King Saul about his choice to fight the Philistine, David said, “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” (verse 37).  

 David’s faith came from knowing God had protected him in the past from danger. And it can be the same for you. Recognize and record the times God has seen you through fear, trouble, pain, and sin in the past. Trust Him to do it again. 

Know God’s way is best. The world has all kinds of answers for fear. Nothing compares to God’s plan for your wholeness and happiness in Him. He is the answer to your greatest fears.  

 When King Saul finally agreed to let David fight, he armed him with the best gear a soldier could have. But David said no! He wanted a slingshot, some stones … and God’s power for the battle ahead. And it was all he needed!  

Move on. Fear is paralyzing. But when, with God’s help, you claim a victory over your fear, then it is time to get on with your life! Leave the past behind and move forward!  

 My prayer this week—Lord, help me overcome my fears, through the power of your name! I do not want fear to hinder my testimony for you. Help me recognize the things I fear and deal with it your way. Give me freedom from fear!