For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been writing about how to overcome fear, using David’s victory over Goliath as an example.  So far, I’ve shared four keys:

  1. Guard your thoughts. David thought like a winner, and we should do the same by bringing “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).
  1. Watch your words. David talked like a winner, and so should we!  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21).
  1. Keep your eye on the prize, not on the obstacle.  David insisted, “Is there not a cause?” (1 Sam. 17:29).  When we’re fighting against fear, we should focus on the purpose of our fight.  Instead of looking at the challenge, look at the opportunity to see God’s greatness!
  1. Face your fear. When David faced Goliath, he demonstrated that there is no substitute for boldly stepping up to do what you know God wants you to do.  When you do, that’s when you’ll see God demonstrate His glory!

Today, I’d like to share the last three ways David shows us how to overcome fear:

  1. Recall the faithfulness of God.  David drew on his past experiences to build his faith and the faith of those around him.  When King Saul questioned his readiness to fight the giant, David recounted how he had protected his flock as a shepherd against numerous attacks. He declared, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Sam. 17:37).  In the same way, we should remind ourselves often of the many ways God has demonstrated His faithfulness to us in the past, as this gives us confidence to move forward in the present and future.
  1. Show perseverance. David encountered many hurdles on his way to his win over Goliath.  He faced the mass spirit of fear that gripped the army of Israel, an insult from his own brother, and the king doubting his ability.   When David finally made it to Goliath, the giant made fun of him, cursed him, and threatened him.  However, despite how David faced obstacles every step of the way, he kept moving forward.  We must do the same!  Even when it’s not easy, we must “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
  1. Have faith in God, not in yourself.  David did not proclaim his own greatness as a warrior but instead declared the greatness of God!  He declared, “The LORD will deliver you into my hand” (1 Sam. 17:46).  You see, his confidence was in God’s ability, not his own!  In the same way, we cannot face the challenges of life in our own strength, or we will fail.  We must declare like David that “the battle is the LORD’s” (v. 47).

These seven keys will help us move forward in the things God has called us to.  In times when you may feel afraid, remember these truths and confess, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” (Philippians 4:13).