Faith Over Fear
Sermon 4: Faith Over Fear
Main Verse: Psalm 3
This week’s teaching is based on Psalm 3. In this Psalm we see how King David approaches God with a very real and personal fear related to past mistakes. Here is the backstory of this fearful moment. David’s son Absalom organized a coup to overthrow his father’s kingship and seek revenge for David’s many failures. This was, at least in the short run, successful and led to King David abdicating his throne. The high drama of this moment is captured in this one verse.
Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, “Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword.” (2 Samuel 15:14, NIV)
This was nerve-wracking. The consequences of all of David’s failures and fears have arrived. How did David, who lost so much, maintain any kind of trust in God? And in himself?
Fortunately, after the dust settled, David reflected on this tumultuous time. As we trace through this tender psalm (Psalm 3) we can chart how David pours his fear out to a holy God asking for help. This sacred passage reminds us that whatever may turmoil we may have created, we can always seek God’s heart and His help.
Three Types of Fear
Alertness- I am fully aware of my surroundings, so I am cautious
Avoidance- I am afraid I will fail, so I will side-step the situation
Alarm/Anxious- I feel I have no control over my surroundings and/or harm is about to come my way
Key Concept:
When we are afraid, our physical instincts lead us to flight, fight, or freeze. These are survival instincts we see in the nature. But humans are more than just biological impulses. We have a fourth “f” when fear comes- faith.
Background- David’s Failure as a Father
- David focused entirely on his career and interest- not his children
- David provided financially, but not emotionally for his family
- David did not lead his family with a balance of love and discipline
Key Word- Evil or Ruin (2 Samuel 15:14)
dysfunctional, wrong, evil or wicked mischief, hurt, bad, trouble, sore, affliction, ill, adversity, harm, naught, grievous, sad, shout, noise, aloud
Embedded in this Psalm are insights that can protect our soul from the crushing weight of fear that leads to doubt. Intense Prayer is part of the strategy.
1. Identify the source of your fear (Psalm 3:1-2)
Sometimes fear can have two sources
- Physical Threats (this is an attack on his body, v. 1)
- Propaganda (this is an attack on his identity, v. 2)
Key Concepts:
Fear- an instinctive response to an immediate and clear danger”
Anxiety – is often diffused and vague, accompanied with dread and can appear to have no clear source
Prayer Practice:
Bring your fears directly to God. If not clear, ask God to grant wisdom about what your fear is. This communication with God grants a proper perspective between your fear, and God’s power.
2. Elevate your focus from your personal circumstances (which are temporary) to the Character of God (which is eternal) (Psalm 3:3-4).
- God is a shield
- God lifts our head
- God speaks to us in sacred spaces
3. If God can be trusted, then we can sleep (Psalm 3:5-6).
Consider This:
Sometimes the best way to handle fear is to pray and then get a good night’s sleep.
4. Along the way- tell God exactly what you want with the emotions you possess (Psalm 3:7-8).
Three Natural Responses to Fear
Fight
Flee
Freeze
David Added a fourth option- Faith! When we trust God to handle our enemies, we can conquer our fears.
Things that are out of your control are not out of control.
Application
- Three Spheres
- Circle of Concern
- Circle of Influence
- Circle of Control