1 Samuel 18:12 Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.
Fear is a normal emotion however when it cripples normal functioning, controls our behaviour and causes withdrawal symptoms, it is a demonic fear and a spiritual attack to stagger our progress. When we examine the lives of the two great leaders of Israel, both faced fear. It is an emotion that will attack a prince or a peasant; the literate and the illiterate; young and old, alike. However, Saul’s fear came from a heart of jealousy, insecurity and arrogance. He could not celebrate the victory of the new young hero of Israel. 1 Samuel 18:8 Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” Saul harboured fear, animosity and jealousy that turned him into a cannibal.
On the other hand, fear gripped David when his master and king turned against him. When David was running for his life from the murderer Saul and was surrounded by enemies he, always sought the Lord and drew strength from His presence. Psalms 56:4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? When David was afraid he strengthened his faith; when Saul was afraid he fanned fear.
Fear is faith in reverse gear – Napoleon Hill. Fear that cripples, cringes and controls is demonic fear. Demonic fear is destructive but the prescription to overcome fear is in the Word of God:
1. Cripple: If fear disables us to function normally, it is a demonic crippling fear. Saul failed to function as a king after the success of David. Fear of losing the palace, power and prominence crippled him and turned him into a crook. If fear swallows our potential and drowns us in low self esteem, it is a demonic fear. Enable faith to disable crippling fear by repeating the promises. Psalms 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?
2. Cringe: If fear shrinks, shreds and shrivels us; if fear cramps us to withdraw, recoil and shy away, it is a demonic cringing fear. If fear makes us anxious, avoid gatherings and withdraw, break the barricade of fear. Buckle-up faith to break the bondage of fear. Psalms 27:2 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.
3. Control: If fear controls our thinking, eating and talking and steals our sleep, serenity and self-esteem, it is a controlling demonic fear. If fear grips and controls behaviour, then it is demonic fear. Replace fearful thoughts with faith to shatter the control of fear. Psalms 27:3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
Build the muscle of faith to defeat demonic fear. When you are afraid feed on God’s word as David did. His promise is the tonic that builds our resistance to the toxic attack of fear. Faith activates God but fear activates the enemy. Defeat demonic fear by feeding on the Word of God.
Have you taken your prescription medicine today?
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
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