WHO DO YOU FEAR?

A common feature of the animal kingdom is one of a dominant male controlling a flock of females, younger males and cubs. The flock fears the alpha, till the time comes for the alpha to be replaced by a new dominant male when the allegiance is shifted and the old alpha no longer elicits any fear from the flock, because now they fear somebody stronger. 

Fear is one of those emotions that can wreak havoc with a person leaving him unproductive and diminished. At the most unexpected moment, fear can freeze a person. The story of the Israelites being frozen in their tracks at the mere sight of Goliath is among the folklore stories. Yet, when the boy David came along, there was not an ounce of fear in him. He volunteers to go out and meet the giant. And when he comes face to face with the giant, he rushes forward to meet him headlong.

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. (1 Samuel 17:48)

How did David behave so differently? Because he feared somebody greater. He says, ‘the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever’ (Psalms 19) and ‘I will fear no evil, for thou art with me’ (Psalms 23). For David, fear and a deep sense of respect for God ruled his life. This meant that he was in sync with God always, and so all inferior sources of fear were blotted out.

Fear is inevitable. It is only a question of who you fear. Just as it is intuitive for an animal flock to fear a stronger alpha, it is wiser for man to choose to fear God, the greatest alpha. All worldly forces, powers and people pale in comparison with the power of God. Not just so, he is the loving God that does not abuse his flock, rather went to the extent of giving up his life for his flock.

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25).

Living a life in sync with God, following Jesus and giving him the priority in our lives is the surest way to root out fears of all kinds and live free.

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