What biblical strategies can we use to confront fear and uncertainty today? Gathered at Gilboa – the Scene of Uncertainty “The Philistines assembled and came and camped at Shunem. Then Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.” (1 Samuel 28:4) Saul stands on one hill, a massive Philistine force on the other. The valley between them is thick with dread. Scripture records the moment so we can learn how to meet our own valleys head-on. Strategy 1: Recognize the Battle, but Recognize God First • Saul knew the Philistines were real; denial never conquers fear. • Scripture repeatedly pairs honest assessment with immediate God-ward focus: • “Have I not commanded you? … the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) • “I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4) • Today: Acknowledge the diagnosis, the layoff, the cultural upheaval—then deliberately speak God’s name over it. Strategy 2: Seek God’s Voice Before Any Other • Saul later turned to a medium (28:7) when he felt heaven’s silence; disaster followed. • We, instead, run first to: • The Word – “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” (Psalm 119:105) • Prayer – “Do not be anxious about anything… present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6-7) • Practical step: Replace doom-scrolling with ten minutes in Psalms; trade texting worries for praying them. Strategy 3: Clean House—Repent and Realign • Saul’s earlier disobedience (15:22-23) dimmed his hearing. • Fear often exposes hidden compromise; use it as a prompt to invite God’s searchlight: • “Search me, O God… see if there is any offense in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Confession restores clarity, courage, and communion. Strategy 4: Remember Past Victories • David once reminded Saul, “The LORD who delivered me… will deliver me from this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37) • Personal list: • “God carried us through that tight budget year.” • “He healed my child’s fever.” • “He saved me by grace.” • Rehearsing testimony shrinks today’s giants. Strategy 5: Stand with Faith-Filled Allies • Jonathan once strengthened Saul’s hand in God (23:16). Isolation magnifies fear; fellowship dilutes it. • “Two can resist… a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) • Action points: • Call a mature believer; share the struggle. • Join mid-week study or prayer group. • Invite accountability that pushes you back to Scripture. Strategy 6: Speak Scripture into the Atmosphere • Fear often speaks in “what-ifs”; answer with “It is written.” • “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) • “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1) • Memorize, post on the fridge, text to a friend—let God’s literal words re-frame reality. Strategy 7: Turn Fear into Worship • When Jehoshaphat faced a vast army, singers led the march (2 Chronicles 20:21). Praise redirected attention from threat to Throne. • Try singing a Psalm aloud, building a worship playlist, or thanking God for specific attributes (His sovereignty, love, faithfulness). Strategy 8: Move Forward in Faith, Not Paralysis • “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) • Faith isn’t passive: • Step out—apply for the job, schedule the doctor visit, share the gospel. • Expect God’s partnership as you obey. Walking Out of the Valley Fear pressed Saul toward destructive shortcuts; the same valley invites us to deeper trust. By admitting the battle, seeking God first, cleaning house, remembering victories, leaning on believers, proclaiming Scripture, worshiping, and acting in faith, we confront uncertainty with unshakable confidence in the living God who still writes history—and our next step. |
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