Hindered By Fear

1 Samuel 17:1–11 (ESV)

Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And they were gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines. And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them. And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him. He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

About Fear

Definition of fear: an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat:

The more we trust, the less fear we feel. The consequences of fear - PMC (nih.gov)

Goliath

Goliath’s presence on the battlefield caused the children of Israel to loose heart (fear) and to doubt God’s promises, provision and power to deliver.

King Hezekiah would do the opposite when faced with insurmountable odds.

2 Chronicles 32:7–8 (ESV)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

The more we trust, the less fear we feel. The consequences of fear - PMC (nih.gov)

Fearing God

Fear will hinder one’s relationship with God, when one’s view of God is that of a disciplinarian who is just waiting for you to mess up.

Psalm 103:8 (ESV)

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Hebrews 8:12 (ESV)

For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

Fearing Eternity

Eternity is a big unknown of which one might fear.

The only way to overcome this fear is by trusting in the Lord for our eternity.

John 14:1–4 (KJV 1900)

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

The more we trust, the less fear we feel. The consequences of fear - PMC (nih.gov)

Conclusion

Fear can hinder our relationship with the Lord.

The more we trust the Lord, the less we will have to fear.