I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears … The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them … Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Psalm 34:4, 7, 11
Fear is part of life, even for the courageous. As a child, I had one type of fear; as an adult, I have another. Both reemerge from time to time. After fighting cancer seven times in seven years, I must face and conquer fear whenever it emerges. Fear is an emotion that comes and goes. Have you made a habit of conquering fear? King David killed the 9-foot-tall Goliath and experienced many victories in battle, yet he discusses one particular fear that is within him that is a healthy fear: the fear of the Lord, which means “reverence.” God does NOT want you to fear Him but to run to Him when you experience fear (False Evidence Appearing Real) so He can show you your situation through His eyes.
Growth stops when you choose to run from your fears instead of facing them. Leaders can develop a habit of insulating themselves from things that would cause them discomfort, insecurity, or fear. People who are in authority have access to staff and can begin to arrange their lives so they don’t receive feedback. They insulate themselves from tough decisions that require courageous leadership or slip into a life of comfort vs. conquest, as David’s son Solomon did. David sets an example for leaders by turning to God to wash away his fears. Next time you are experiencing fear, remember who you are, who is on your side, and that you “can do all things through Christ” who strengthens you. When you exercise your F.A.I.T.H. to do what you can, God will do what you can’t. With every step you take toward facing your fears, remember that faith stands for…
Forward Action Inspired Through Him
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- What are you “avoiding” in your life that may be fear-based?
- Whom do you know that has created an environment for comfort or a life of conquest?
- When you are afraid, whom do you run to? This is a clue as to whom you put your trust in.
The evidence of faith over fear is the ground you take with God in your life as you exercise “F.A.I.T.H”:
F-Forward, A-Action, I-Inspired, T-Through, H-Him.
