How does Saul's fear compare to David's trust in God in the Psalms? Saul’s Fear at End of His Rope “When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and his heart trembled greatly.” (1 Samuel 28:5) What Fueled the Fear? • Saul’s fellowship with God was broken (1 Samuel 28:6); no answer by dreams, Urim, or prophets • Persistent disobedience hardened his heart (1 Samuel 15:22-23) • The Holy Spirit had departed from him (1 Samuel 16:14) • He fixed his eyes on the size of the enemy instead of the power of God David’s Trust Echoed in the Psalms • Confidence in danger – “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1) • Peace while surrounded – “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.” (Psalm 3:5) • Deliberate choice to believe – “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3) • Assurance of God’s presence – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4) • Rest that silences anxiety – “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) Side-by-Side Snapshot Saul • Eyes on circumstances • Separated from divine counsel • Driven to sinful measures (consulting a medium) • Heart trembles, no rest David • Eyes on the LORD • Constant communion through praise and prayer • Runs to God, not away from Him • Heart anchored, able to sleep, sing, and lead Roots and Fruits Fear’s Roots (Saul) • Unconfessed sin • Self-reliance • Absence of God’s Spirit Fear’s Fruits • Panic and paralysis • Irrational decisions • Spiritual isolation Trust’s Roots (David) • Repentant heart (Psalm 32:5) • Memory of past deliverances (Psalm 34:4) • Delight in God’s character (Psalm 9:10) Trust’s Fruits • Courage in crisis • Clarity in decision-making • Worship that strengthens others (Psalm 40:3) Takeaways for Our Hearts • A reverent walk keeps panic at bay; obedience guards peace. • Fear grows when God’s voice is ignored; faith grows when His Word is embraced. • The same God who judged Saul strengthened David; our response determines which experience we share. |
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