In the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible we first encounter a shepherd called David. David has been anointed to become the next king of Israel and while he is serving the current king it becomes clear that he is no longer safe in the kings presence due to a very severe case of jealousy. David goes on the run in order to preserve his life and so leaves the king. On his exile David, because he is a natural born leader. gathers many men who rally around and serve him. On their wandering, news comes to them that the Philistines, one of Israels enemies, are attacking a town in Israel. We can read the report of this news and David’s mens reaction in the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible.

When David was told, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,” he inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” The LORD answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” But David’s men said to him, “Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!” 1 Samuel 23:1-3

I love their honesty. They are making it clear that they are already scared in their own land running from their own king so why would they add to their fear by raising the stakes. David doesn’t dismiss their comments and checks in with the Lord again,

Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, “Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.”1 Samuel 23:4

Now that they have had a double confirmation from the Lord it is clear what they must do.

So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah 1 Samuel 23:5

I love it. Despite their fear they did it. They went and completed what they were supposed to do. Well done lads!

But how did they get over their fear? Or perhaps a better question might be, how did they prevent their fear from doing what was the right thing to do?

Well…. they inquired of the Lord. They listened to His voice. They leaned into hear what He had to say and once they had clarity on that they chose to make their fear human sized and their faith God sized.

So often we get the proportions of fear and faith the wrong way round. That’s what these men had been doing previously. We too often make our fear God sized and our faith human sized and end up paralysing ourselves even when God has called us towards something we know we need to do.

All things find their correct perspective when God is placed first in our lives.

That is the antidote to fear!