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| Volume 28 Number 4 April 2026 |
Page 5 |
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| Volume 28 Number 4 April 2026 |
Page 5 |
Gary Hampton
Fear seems to come upon us at unexpected times. Our hearts jump when the doctor enters the room to tell us the results of critical tests. A knot forms in our stomachs as the boss calls us in to his office during a company downsizing. Most of us would benefit by taking a look at David’s approach to conquering fear.
The conquest of fear begins with prayer. David said, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek…Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me” (Psalm 27:4a, 7 NKJV). When we feel enemies are surrounding us, God’s peace will guard out hearts (Philippians 4:6–7).
Fear can be driven away by worshiping our Father. David’s one desire was to always dwell in God’s temple, where he would “offer sacrifices of joy” and “sing praises to the Lord” (Psalm 27:6). When Paul and Barnabas were in an hour of trial, they similarly sang and prayed at midnight (Acts 16:25). Struggling saints have great advantages in assembling, as can be seen in the epistle to the Hebrew Christians (Hebrews 10:24–25).
God’s protection also offers us a way to conquer fear. David declared, “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5, 8, 11–12). God’s protection is ultimately sought through obeying His instructions, as God told Joshua (Joshua 1:7).
Fear will often not be conquered in a day. It requires patience. “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:13–14). James proclaimed that patience will help us grow fully mature (James 1:2–4). God’s people will be rewarded if they hold on to their confidence (Hebrews 10:35–36).
Fear enters into everyone’s life. However, we do not have to allow it to stay. Pray, worship God, rely upon his protection and patiently wait.
