DCLM Daily Manna 2 October, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi - Avoid Unnecessary Fear

Topic: Avoid Unnecessary Fear — Monday October 2, 2017.

Text: 1 Samuel 22:6-10

Key Verse: " That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? " (1 Samuel 22:8).

As a man thinks of himself, so he is. The fears within will reflect in our outward disposition and conduct because action speaks louder than words. From our text, Saul conjectured that Jonathan his son had made a league with David to dethrone him. He also accused his servants of disloyalty for not revealing the alleged treason.

It was of course impossible for any of the servants to have shown what did not exist, for there was no such league between David and Jonathan. Due to insecurity, Saul’s sense of reasoning had become beclouded. He had become a hostage to needless fear, a product of his own making. Doeg was mentioned in verse 7, for now he steps forth as a key actor in the drama.

Where there is a scheming leader, there is likely also to be scheming followers. Doeg was such a man. He shamelessly lied to secure a better standing with the king above others. Saul’s conduct and decision reflected that his heart was out of tune with God’s word. Even if the high priest had been guilty, it was illegal to punish the whole family for the father’s crime (Deuteronomy 24:16). Eighty-five priests of the Lord, with the entire population of Nob as well as the farm animals were cruelly wiped out as a result of a needless fear.

It is imperative that we allow God to direct our path instead of making plans that will work against us in eternity. We must look inward to rid our lives of unfounded fears that can result in ungodly acts such as evil speaking, envy and jealousy which are capable of grieving the Holy Spirit. Perfect love casts out fear and the believer has not been given the spirit of bondage again to fear anymore.

Thought for the day: Fear weakens but faith strengthens.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Kings 3-4

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.