I’ve always loved the story of King David, in the Bible. He was a broken man with the heart of a poet who fiercely loved His Mighty One. My favorite trait of David’s is his striking courage. All throughout the Word of YHVH, we see the repetitive theme of men’s hearts failing them for fear of giants.

The shepherd boy made a mockery of every man in Israel when he stepped forth (in what seemed like foolish confidence in his own strength) and faced that mouthy Philistine. Every eye on him doubted as he said, “You’re coming at me with a sword, a spear and a javelin. But I’m coming 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)

He took that nine-foot, nine-inch Philistine down with a single shot hurled from a simple sling that landed dead center the spot that would bring him to his knees. That ruddy shepherd boy walked away marked for kingship with the giant’s big, ugly head in his hand.

I am convinced that we see physical giants so often in the Bible because we face spiritual giants so often in our own lives every day. The Father gives us example after example of how He expects His people to face those giants in bold faith.

It is inherently human to get angry, feel discouraged, face our own weakness, and experience fear. What YHVH will not stand for is His people being fearful – living in a perpetual state of defeat and filled with a spirit of dread and fear. When we live in a perpetual state of fear, we display clear evidence of which spirit has dominion over our hearts and lives, and it’s not the Father’s.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

So often, we glaze over fearfulness as one of the attributes scripture ascribes to those who will have their part in the lake of fire as if it’s not even there. It’s easy to imagine that idolators, murderers, and sorcerers are marked for destruction. But, what about the spiritual cowards?

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

The fearful will not stand in the Kingdom of the Most High. From an emotional standpoint, this may seem nonsensical, illogical, or even cruel. Consider how much being fearful stands at odds with the liberty and blessing of the inheritance promised a blood-bought child of the Most High.

As difficult a truth as it can be to accept, a spirit of fear suggests we don’t trust Our Father, the One Who holds all this together in His hand. It indicates we do not believe He is Who He says He is. It bears witness to the possibility we may not believe He has the power and sovereignty to preserve, protect, lead and guide us when face adversity and seemingly insurmountable circumstances. If we don’t trust Him to care for our flesh, we aren’t likely to truly trust Him with our souls. Believing the evil report of the enemy in favor of fixing our eyes and hearts on His promises never turns out well for those professing faith in Him.

Feeling fear is natural. Yet, operating in a spirit of fear is unacceptable in the eyes of our Creator. Fearfulness in its purest form is an absence of faith. And “without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

I’m praying to be able to hold my head up. I’m petitioning the Father for the strength to fight the good fight even when my knees are shaky. I’m believing He will help me face these looming giants head on because He warns us in scripture that it’s never, ever man whom we should fear, but the One Who was, and is, and is to come.

“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

The only thing we should truly fear is being fearful of anything lesser than the Holy One of Israel Whom we serve.

 
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Abba Father,

As we acknowledge this world has entered a time as such we have never seen, we face many fears. We face unique trials we feel ill-equipped to deal with. We seek answers while often asking the wrong questions. We each feel weak and helpless as we stand in the shadow of the giants towering over our own lives. Father, we know You allow these things to touch us for Your glory. Abba, we cry out to You. Show us how to glorify Your name in this time You purposed us for. Help us repent of our fear and unbelief. Remind us of the power and might of the One we serve. Teach us to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” We desire to please You and to do so we must walk in the faith we profess with our lips. We are weak, but You are strong! By Your perfect design, our most powerful weapons are spiritual. By this, You glorify Your name in our victories, not our own. Help us tremble, not at the size of the giants, but in fear, reverence and awe of the sound of Your voice! In Yeshua’s precious name and by the power of His holy blood we pray, Amen.

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About the Seeking Scripture Team: We are a group of believers from all walks of the faith, saved by grace alone through faith in our Messiah. While we are of one accord in many things, we are all works in progress and lifelong learners. Therefore the opinions of one may not always represent the opinions of all.

Cassandre Rosenbum
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