Monday, March 30, 2020 Fear#14

Dear Trinity Baptist Church Family: When David first ran from Saul, after he was refreshed by Ahimelech the priest, he fled to Achish the Philistine King of Gath. At once we wonder at his decision, but perhaps he thought “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” The advisors of Achish reminded the king that this was David of whom the Israelites had sung “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” David immediately pretended to be crazy, scratching at the doors, drooling into his beard. Achish dismissed David and his men as insane. The superscription of Psalm 56 says it was written at this time. Hunted by Saul in Israel and despised by the Philistines, where was David to go? Here’s what he prayed: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4

David made two conscience decisions in his fear. First, he determined to trust God. This is an active choice and not something that “just happened.” Second, David determined to praise God’s Word. To praise God’s Word we must know God’s Word. Instead of fearing, we must choose to think on God’s Word. And then to praise God for what we know or learn in God’s Word.

Week 2 of only 10 people at church was yesterday. It’s weird and wrong, but it is what we are right now. I rejoice in the many who are listening and finding meaningful ways to be the church.

I was planning on having Men’s Prayer Breakfast on this coming Saturday. Given the continued escalation of COVID19 cases in Wisconsin and in keeping with the spirit of our  directive, I don’t think it wise for us to bring multiple families together at the same table for prayer. I know this will make this sweet fellowship more valuable when we can do it in months to come. So, no Men’s Prayer Breakfast for this coming Saturday, April 4.

Remember to pray for Ross Purcell today.

Embracing Truth, Pastor