“No Fear” has become a popular phrase in recent years. But is that attitude always good, and is that something we should live by? We often think of “fear” as referring to something that we are afraid of, but it can also mean reverence or respect. So there are certainly some things that deserve healthy fear.
So what does true courage look like? In David’s work as a shepherd boy, he was sometimes called upon to face dangers that I’m sure caused some fear, but he had the courage to do what he had to do. David tells his story in I Samuel 17:34-37a
And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
37 David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.
Like David, we may be called to stand up to problems we are afraid of—bullies, fears, temptations. Be encouraged, have courage, and face your fears. God has promised, “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)
Memory Verse:
“…(God) will deliver me….” - I Samuel 17:37