I Samuel 17:24-25a
When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid. The men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who is coming up? Surely he is coming up to defy Israel.”
All those who represented the strength of Israel fled. What are the things that terrify our culture? Presently we have a virus. We do need to respect it and those that are vulnerable or fearful. Beyond that we trust the sovereignty of God. 99% of those who contract it recover. If we get it, most are better and can rejoin life in two to three weeks. If we pass on, then we agree with Paul that "To live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
He wants us to live fearlessly. We aren't to be plagued with what if's. We aren't to be foolish or careless, but to do our best to be responsible in a fearless manner. This is life on a higher plane. In Matthew 6:27 Jesus says, "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?" In the context of the passage He says the birds of the air don't spin or toil, yet your Father takes care of them. He wants us to be fearless.
Those who aren't in Christ only have this life. It makes sense that they would be more cautious. We need to be respectful of their concerns. However we are to live our lives. The Lord offers them a place in His family which brings His protection and everlasting life. This pandemic brings our mortality to our attention decades prior. Most feel they will live into their seventies then they will address God and eternity. To those the choice to accept Christ is now a present reality. Present circumstances have brought that choice to the present.
The Lord wants us trust Him with all our concerns. If it be death, the virus, relational problems, work problems, health issues or in this passage a giant. Proverbs 28:1 says "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." This is due to His presence in us. It's not the result of positive thinking. Romans 8 says "His Spirit bears witness with our spirit". We literally sense His presence. Anyone would be confident if they knew that God really is with them.
To remain in His peace we feed our faith. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." This helps us retain a healthy thought life. We are also to be in the bible. Romans 10:17 says, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ". The bible is how the Lord communicates with and strengthens us.
Another important step in having a healthy relationship with God is obedience. We'll read the bible which often prompts us to action. It may be to forgive someone. It may be to be extra patient. It may be to share the hope that He's given us. This is demonstrating trust in Him. All of these acts are like mixing the ingredients and letting the yeast rise. They are the elements of a life in the Lord.
Here are some things that are an enemy of faith. Dwelling on the giant corrodes faith. Don't feed on the news and social media. They feed fear and anxiety. We are to know enough to stay safe and not behave in a manner that troubles others. However focusing on what our cultures promotes is usually not healthy.
Lord, thank You for Your goodness, the protection and peace You provide. Thank You for all the trouble You went through to redeem us. A wonderful demonstration of love. It bought and keeps us. Thank You.