Faith Over Fear

A reverential fear of God overcomes fear of circumstances and men. Regardless of the situations we find ourselves, our faith gives us assurance even when it does not appear God has answered our prayers as we continue to suffer (Heb 11:1). David had a conviction of this truth based on his knowledge of God’s character and love towards his people. Even though his enemies threatened his life, he persisted in seeking God’s face for help in his time of trouble. Here are two things that strengthen his faith in Gods’ salvation:

Faith conquers our fears (v1-3). What are the attributes of God that should dispel our fears? First, he is TRUTH and offers heaven’s perspective on the trials we face. Often we are enduring assault of lies from adversarial people and our own thoughts. David declares, “The Lord is my light and my salvation…” God’s truth (Word) gives us understanding of our circumstances. He also encourages us because we trust that God is in control in our situations that seem out of control. His Word is our firm foundation by which our feet (life) is anchored, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 119:105). Further, God is our defender against such attacks, thus David continues, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life;” Surely if Gods’ word guards and preserves us in trial, then our conclusion is the same as David’s, “…of whom shall I be afraid?” We shall not be afraid of any evil that assails and lays siege to our lives, for God is our confidence!

Fellowship of God is our refuge (v4-6). In his prayer, David understood that true sanctuary existed in the presence of God, thus he asks, “…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” It should be noted, he is not speaking of a physical temple (or even Solomon’s since it did not yet exist). As a Christian, we are commanded to seek (run towards) God in our times of need. Bear in mind, we are not going to God asking that our enemies be struck down, but rather our petitions are centrally focused on what we need the most in our hour of trial……………Gods’ grace and life-preserving mercy. Because of Jesus, we have direct access to the presence of God by the Spirit. We should rejoice, because this scripture is true, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need” (Heb 4:16).

When we seek after God, we must remember our lives are also in great danger (along with our enemies); kind of of like a person who has been tossed into raging sea trying to stay afloat from a shipwrecked prison vessel. In those most moments, I doubt we are concerned about how and who caused us to be there, but rather we cry out for the Coast Guard to throw us a life preserver that we may ultimately be reeled to safety. Likewise, God will rescue his children from among (and in the midst of) those who have inflicted us with and designed our troubles. Remember, God did not commission eagles to transport the children of Israel OVER the Red Sea to safety to escape the trap of Pharaoh and his army. Instead, the very waters that cut off their escape became a path of rescue (Hallelujah!), and then it became a tomb of destruction for God’s enemies. God delivers his people from within the midst of troubles, not outside of it. This why David rejoices, “And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me.” Amen and amen.

Blessings,

Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.

www.springoflivingwaters.com