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Evangelicals have long sought to understand the core difference between David and Saul. The answer exposes a theme touched on elsewhere in the Bible: the role of the fear of the Lord in leadership. As Samuel crowns Saul king, he points readers back to Deuteronomy 17:18–20.
Nov 23, 2021 · When our fears threaten to overwhelm us, we should recall the words of David: “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37a). Fear breeds squabbling.
- Skip Heitzig
- When Pressed, Begin with Praise. “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). When we highlight the goodness of God, and the blessings He has bestowed upon our lives, it rights our countenance.
- Look to What We’ve Learned. “…but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
- Repeat the Truths of Who God Is.
- Remember Whose We Are. “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
- Trust: Trust that God is in Control, Even in Times of Sorrow. 16:1. God’s encouragement to Samuel and His directive to appoint Israel’s next king.
- Faith: Have Faith that Where God Guides He Provides. 16:2-5. God’s promise to protect Samuel while anointing Israel’s next king. Samuel feared that Saul would kill him for consecrating a new king.
- Integrity: Focus on Developing Your Heart For God, Not Your Flesh. 16:6-11. God’s guidance to Samuel not to select a king based upon outward appearance.
- Spirit-Led: Be Led by the Spirit in All that You Do. 16:12-13. Samuel’s anointing of David with the Holy Spirit. After Samuel anointed David with oil, the Holy Spirit anointed David with power to be Israel’s next king.
If we read the words of King David, we find a man who cried out to God from the depth of his emotions. What can we learn from this man after God’s own heart? Here are three examples of verses about anxiety found in the Psalms that show us a way of facing it head-on.
David was able to show no fear because he called upon “the name of the Lord” (1 Sam. 17:45). The next time you fear, recite Jesus’ promises and His name in faith as you pray: “Do not fear for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
May 27, 2004 · David, under the pressure of the pursuit of Saul, had begun to weaken in his fear of the Lord and had come to fear men instead (in particular, Achish). This led to acts of deception for it was more important to David in his present state of heart to satisfy Achish than to please God.
