Fear, anxiety, worry. No one is exempt from these feelings. We have all learned to deal with our fears in various ways; some healthy, some not so healthy. And the Biblical characters are no different. One reason I love reading the Bible is that it doesn’t sugar coat life. It shows people’s failures and successes. It shows us how to deal with reality and learn to overcome. When it comes to fear, Davids’ psalms give us great insight into what he learned about fear and overcoming obstacles.

David dealt with fear and anxiety-inducing circumstances from early life. Whether it was wrestling a sheep-hungry bear or lion as a teenager, and later fighting Israel’s Goliaths (enemies) on the battle field, or facing enemies within his own family, somehow he learned to not to let fear stop his obedience to God. How did he do it? What did he learn?

How different would our lives be if we could overcome the paralyzing effect of fear and anxiety?

First off, I think its important to realize it’s the decisions in small circumstances that enable us to face the big ones. It’s the day to day habits that give us strength to overcome big “once in a lifetime” obstacles. David could face Goliath because he faced the Bear. He could face Saul in a God-honoring way and not let fear or anger drive his actions. He could fearlessly face armies of thousands because he learned earlier how to face smaller fears. His response to obstacles was “Teach me your way, O Lord and lead me on a level path, because of my enemies.” Ps27:11 He had the heart of a learner.

Psalm 27 gives us some incredible lessons David learned about fear. I encourage you to meditate on this passage. Here are some brief insights I've gleaned. These truths are transforming my life!

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Observation: Overcoming fear begins with a relationship with Jesus! He is greater and willing to confront our fears with us.

When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh,my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.

Observation: David remembers previous victories he’s had over adversaries in the Lord’s name.

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

Observation: Dave declares by faith the future victory but he knows it gets down to one thing.

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: 
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, 
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.

Observation: There it is. Its the one thing - the one focus he’s made his life’s passion - to dwell in God’s presence, to behold His person, His beauty, and to inquire or meditate on Him. Amidst all of the possible requests and priorities of life he singles out this one pursuit.  Notice too that this is a daily pursuit. He knows that he needs this daily posture if he’s to live a life overcoming fear and anxiety and any other obstacles he faces.

Do you see some keys here for your life? I sure do!

Some application and questions for us:

To “dwell” literally means to “sit” It’s not enough to just “pass through” God’s presence. We seek a quick fix in most other areas of life, but knowing God doesn't work this way, especially in regard to fear and anxiety (see) Ps46)

• Do I value living in God’s presence? Do I sit still before Him daily? Even when my life is very busy, how can I make space for this?

• Do I know the Lord personally in such a way that I see His beauty. Are you growing in that knowledge?
• Do I let other things dominate my attention when I’m praying? One teacher said we should always “gaze” at the Lord and just “glance” at our requests or problems before Him. He wants us to bring our requests but to let our hearts be fixed on Him. (Heb 12)

• Is the primary purpose of my life to know Him? 
• How does this show up in my life?
• How can I change my priorities and schedule to make time for Him?
  

Tags:prayer, worship, meditation, fear, anxiety