Tensions Between Faith and Flesh

Hebrews 10:35 So don’t lose your bold courageous faith, for you are destined for a great reward!”

When people consider David- David the shepherd boy, King David- names like Man after God’s own Heart, Brave, and Courageous are often the first things that come to mind.

However, if you do a deep Biblical dive, you will find instances of cowardice and even debauchery in David’s life. And isn’t this true of all of us? Even though we may be known for something, there are moments where the flesh allows things that don’t align with our character to creep in and overwhelm our faith.

One who once felt bold and courageous now feels anything but. I have been there. In fact, I shared my struggle in a previous post, “Wounded.” But I am here to tell you today friends- God has restored my boldness and courage because I chose to place my trust in him once again, despite what my flesh had to say. David’s story is good news for us all. But it also comes as a great warning. David is known for what occurred after his struggles because he consciously chose to place his faith in God once again.

We first meet David as a lowly shepherd boy. He is handsome and rugged, the youngest of his family, but not one any would consider “powerful”

In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel (the first prophet of his kind) anointed David in the fields and prophesied that David would become the next king of Israel, as was the Lord’s will.

Look at what happens in this moment, vs 13, “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power.”

This was an extremely significant moment because David received the Spirit of the Lord- which included the POWER and the PRESENCE of the Lord.

During this time, this was rare, because unlike now where the Spirit dwells inside of every one of those who believes, there was great separation. The Spirit of the Lord dwelt in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle and in those who were called as prophets. However, when David was anointed, he received the Spirit in power and presence. Let us not overlook the significance of that moment.

I’m sure from that moment on, David walked a little taller. He had a little skip in his step. And he approached his call with great confidence and boldness.

In the next chapter, we see David slay a nine-foot giant with a slingshot and five smooth stones. Here is what he said in response to the giant’s continual taunting. “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” I can’t help but notice that the power of the Spirit was at work in him. It made him brave, confident, fearless.

So how did this fearless and spirit-filled young man withdraw to a place of cowardice? He allowed his flesh to win the battle over the Spirit.

Let’s take a look. Saul (the king at the time) became increasingly jealous of the young and strapping David. He overtook armies and he was a threat to his throne. So, he plotted to kill David. And David fled.

Fear is a human emotion. Fear is not from God and causes us to do things outside of our character. Accordingly, David went into survival mode. He allowed his flesh to overshadow his faith.

When our brain enters survival mode, it activates the part of our brain known as the reptilian brain. The reptilian brain controls hunger, avoidance of pain, and activation of pleasure. It is the most human part of an individual- the things a person needs for survival.

So when David fled, he did two things: he lied and deceived and then he sought out survival- food and protection. Notice that these were two things we have seen God provide over and over to his people. However, David chose to do things his way.

In 1 Samuel 21, David entered the house of the Lord (a good thing in and of itself). He then lied to the Priest at the tabernacle and did not tell him he was being hunted. A dire mistake. He asked for bread and a weapon. The priest gave him bread that been consecrated and offered him the sword of the giant David had slain. Remember- this was the same giant he killed with some shepherd tools. But for some reason, in survival mode, David chose to rely on his basic needs instead of the power and the presence that dwelt. The story then goes on to say that David hid in a cave and his lies had significant consequences for the priest and his family. Our sin has ripples. Choosing to rely on our own needs instead of God has consequences.

So this bold and courageous shepherd boy- lost his bold and courageous faith because he let his fear overwhelm him.

He lied, deceived, and hid. His decisions had lasting consequences. But the good God we serve, offered him grace, redemption and forgiveness. He made him even greater than he had been in the past. But not on his own strength. David repented and God showed him his favor. This is GOOD NEWS.

God’s heart grieves when we rely on other things instead of him. But he gives us redemption even when we fall into the fleshly things.

I have been there, and recently too. My depression and fleshly needs overwhelmed my fear and that is why I said I had lost my bold and courageous faith. Because I had allowed it to happen. I stopped trusting and I started trying to provide my own provision and protection. But God saw me there, he lifted my head and said, “Dear child- come back to me. Trust in me. Let me show you how faithful I am.”

When you fall into a fleshly pattern. Let God pick you up and restore your bold and courageous faith. He offers redemption to those who ask- we just need to admit our shortcomings and let God correct us.

David was not known for his shortcomings. He was seen as a Man after God’s own Heart because he consistently returned to God and repented. And you can too.

In the Spirit, five stones will always be more powerful than the sharpest sword. Because you have the power and the presence dwelling in you. Return to him.