I'm a Friend

December 18

Some people are confused by the word ‘fear’ as it regards the Lord. In Psalm 19:9, for example David tells us, “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever…” This is not the temerity that causes one anxiety. No. This is the awe of the Lord that springs from a holy reverence for WHO HE IS, for His holiness that will abide eternally.

David had this reverent awe for His God and King and he lived his life in such a way that God allowed him to rise from the obscurity of being the youngest son in a family of shepherds and soldiers to being the king selected by God’s own hand.

In the name and power of the Lord, David did exploits, beginning with his slaying of Goliath. (See I Samuel 17:4-52.) The enemies of God had gathered around to destroy His people. Their champion, a giant named Goliath, had challenged the fearful army of King Saul to send their best warrior to fight him. The winner of the duel would then hand his victory to the entire nation he represented.

The shepherd boy David was the only one who trusted the Lord enough to accept the challenge and he defeated the mighty giant with a single stone, flung from his slingshot! David’s offense at the giant had been because of his mockery of the true God. God’s enemies were counted by David to be his enemies. But David said, “I am a friend to everyone who fears You, O, God, and obeys Your law,” Psalm 119:63.