There was no question that the little ducks believed that we had some bread for them. They came right up to me- loudly quacking, believing I was there just for them.

How much better would our day be if we trusted God for our daily bread?

Unfortunately, misplaced trust in ourselves leads to the fear of mankind. (Or fear of those who have power over fearful people).

What a lesson can be learned through the passages below. First, through David’s example and success. Second, through the words of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Lastly, in the lesson of the Psalmist (fear of God results in a “steady” or faith-filled heart).

Because Jesus entrusted himself to the Father’s will, He was highly exalted. Yes, even Abraham was visited by him (as the angel of the Lord, aka pre-incarnate appearance of Christ). Jesus is God’s Son.

Overall, I’ve been pondering fear vs. faith this week. I know that I tend to be more fearful when my eyes are on the world around me and the chaos that is used at times to cover up the truth.

If I can put it back into perspective, believing the truth of God’s greatness…then, faith will keep me steady.

We may be required to complete difficult tasks as we care for our loved ones (especially those who are vulnerable). Father, help us to be faith-filled and steady and not fearful.

I trust you, Lord. -Teresa

I Samuel 18: 12-16, 26-29; 19:20-24 (ESV)

¹² Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. ¹³ So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. ¹⁴ And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. ¹⁵ And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him.¹⁶ But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them.

…. ²⁶ And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the time had expired,²⁷ David arose and went, along with his men, and killed two hundred of the Philistines. And David brought their foreskins, which were given in full number to the king, that he might become the king’s son-in-law. And Saul gave him his daughter Michal for a wife. ²⁸ But when Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him, ²⁹ Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually.

…²⁰ Then Saul sent messengers to take David, and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as head over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. ²¹ When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. ²² Then he himself went to Ramah and came to the great well that is in Secu. And he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” And one said, “Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah.” ²³ And he went there to Naioth in Ramah. And the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. ²⁴ And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

John 8:52-59 (ESV)

Footnotes

⁵² The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ ⁵³ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” ⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’^[b] 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. ⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” ⁵⁷ So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?”^[c] 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” ⁵⁹ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.Read full chapter

1. John 8:34 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 35
2. John 8:54 Some manuscripts your God
3. John 8:57 Some manuscripts has Abraham seen you?

Psalm 112:1-10 (ESV)

The Righteous Will Never Be Moved

112 ^[a] Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
    who greatly delights in his commandments!
² His offspring will be mighty in the land;
    the generation of the upright will be blessed.
³ Wealth and riches are in his house,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
⁴ Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
    he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
⁵ It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;
    who conducts his affairs with justice.
⁶ For the righteous will never be moved;
    he will be remembered forever.
⁷ He is not afraid of bad news;
    his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
⁸ His heart is steady;^[b] he will not be afraid,
    until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
⁹ He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever;
    his horn is exalted in honor.
¹⁰ The wicked man sees it and is angry;
    he gnashes his teeth and melts away;
    the desire of the wicked will perish!Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Psalm 112:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
2. Psalm 112:8 Or established (compare 111:8)