Compare Saul's fear with David's trust in God in the Psalms. Fear That Cripples: Saul in 1 Samuel 28:20 “Immediately Saul fell flat on the ground. He was terrified by Samuel’s words, and his strength was gone, for he had eaten nothing all that day and night.” (1 Samuel 28:20) • Moments before, Saul had sought guidance through a medium (28:7). • God-given avenues—prophets, dreams, Urim—had fallen silent because of Saul’s persistent disobedience (28:6; cf. 1 Samuel 15:23). • The result: overwhelming dread, physical collapse, utter emptiness. Roots of Saul’s Fear • Disconnected from God through repeated rebellion (1 Samuel 15:22-23; 16:14). • Depended on human solutions—his own judgment, the army’s size, forbidden occult counsel. • No assurance of forgiveness or covenant grace; therefore, no bedrock for courage. Trust That Lifts: David’s Voice in the Psalms 1. Psalm 23:4—“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” 2. Psalm 27:1—“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” 3. Psalm 34:4—“I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” 4. Psalm 56:3-4—“When I am afraid, I will trust in You… in God I trust; I will not fear.” 5. Psalm 57:1—“In You my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until destruction passes.” Roots of David’s Trust • Ongoing repentance and relational closeness to the LORD (Psalm 32:5; 51:10-12). • Rehearsal of God’s past deliverances—lion, bear, Goliath, wilderness escapes (1 Samuel 17:37; Psalm 40:1-3). • Active meditation on God’s Word and character (Psalm 19:7-11; 119:97). • Reliance on covenant promises rather than circumstances (2 Samuel 7:18-29; Psalm 138:2). Key Contrasts Summarized • Source of counsel: forbidden medium vs. living God. • Spiritual posture: unrepentant disobedience vs. humble faith. • Emotional fruit: paralyzing terror vs. courageous peace. • Outcome: collapse before enemies (1 Samuel 31:4) vs. ultimate vindication and throne (2 Samuel 5:3-4). Living the Contrast • Refuse shortcuts; seek God’s guidance through His Word and Spirit. • Keep short accounts with sin, maintaining heartfelt repentance. • Recall specific instances of God’s past faithfulness to strengthen present trust. • Speak truth aloud as David did, turning fear into worship with Scripture-anchored declarations. |
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