Good morning, well at least it’s morning for me as I write this. I thought I’d share some thoughts that came from the book Killing Giants written by Chuck Swindoll.

I hope you find these little messages and thoughts helpful.

The topic is about fear. Ever met this beast? Sure you have, it creeps in at any opportunity given.

Fear of failure, fear of heights, fear of crowds, fear of sickness, fear about what others are saying or thinking about you, fear of being yourself, fear of the dark, fear of being alone, fear of earthquakes.

Lurking in the shadows around every imaginable corner, it threatens to poison your inner peace and outward composure. To one who falls prey to this attack, the creature displays no mercy. It falls full weight on his back, laughs with excitement as it cripples you and then circles around for another savage attack! This bully, fear, relies on scare tactics and surprise attacks. It watches for your vulnerable moment, then picks the lock that safeguards your security. Once inside, it strikes quickly to transform spiritual muscle into mental torment and mush. The prognosis for recovery is neither bright nor cheery.

David’s 27th Psalm, however, is known to contain an unusually effective antitoxin. A remedy that meets fear face-to-face at the door of his dwelling asking two questions:

Whom shall I dread? Whom shall I fear?

He slams the door in fear’s face with this declaration:

My heart will not fear… in spite of this I shall be confident. (Psalms 27 vs. 3)

You then prepare yourself to counteract fear’s repeated attacks. Ready?

PRAYER: I have asked from the Lord – (vs 4)
VISION: I behold the beauty of the Lord – (vs. 4)
GOD’S WORD: I meditate in His temple (vs. 4)
GOD’S PROTECTION: In the day of trouble he will conceal/protect me/hide me/lift me (vs.5)
MOMENT BY MOMENT WORSHIP: I will sing (vs.6)
REST: I had believed… wait for the Lord (vs. 13-14)
DETERMINATION: Let your heart take courage (v.14)

COURAGE: It has several names: Bravery, valor, fearlessness, audacity, heroism, nerve. It also has a few nicknames: guts, backbone, etc. Whatever the name is, it’s more than a match for fear. It’s another word for inner strength, determination to hang in there, to venture, persevere and withstand hardship. It’s got keeping power.

Courage. It feeds on giants. Fear. David had it when he grabbed his sling in the Valley of Elah and killed the giant. So many people showed courage in the bible, the stories are endless. We must show courage and we must not bow down to the things in our life that keep us from doing things God’s way.

Be strong and courageous. ( Joshua 1: 6,7,9)

Are you ready to face your giants?