God Will Deliver You from Fear
Psalm 34:4-7
Everybody has a certain amount of caution or healthy fear. It keeps us alive. But some fear can become irrational. Unhealthy fear can paralyze us. Today we consider the most famous battle in the Old Testament. It began as a battle between two armies. It becomes a battle between two individuals. The people of Israel are being taunted by a giant and they are fearful (1 Samuel 17:11;24). Fear is intimidating. – “And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span” (1 Samuel 17:4). Fear can be debilitating. – “All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, – fled from him and were much afraid” (1 Samuel 17:24). Fear breeds squabbling. – “Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle” (1 Samuel 17:24). Fear requires conquering. – “Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45).
David was victorious because he did three things:
By remembering past victories.
By realizing your personal assets.
By relying on a powerful God.
Discussion Guide
Fear becomes a problem when it prevents us from moving forward to do what God calls us to do. In 1 Samuel 17 we see David “run quickly” toward Goliath (vs. 48) despite Goliath’s size and despite everyone else’s debilitating fear. David is human and experienced fear but in spite of that, he moved forward. This is faith. Real faith moves forward in spite of normal, healthy fear!
Share about a time when you made a decision based on outward appearances. What happened?
Discuss different times you experienced great fear. Recall times that you both moved forward and times when you “froze.”
Is there something before you right now that is causing you fear? Discuss it with the group and help encourage each other and hold one another accountable. Pray together and move forward in faith.