Human Response 431: Afraid, Distressed, and Hiding

1 Samuel 13:6 When the men of Israel saw they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

A vast Philistine army had amassed to fight against the Israelites. They were a people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude. This sight caused Israel to be very much afraid: they were distressed. Then the people hid themselves wherever they could find a hiding place, so great was the fear.

The spiritual enemies that are amassed against us on a daily basis can sometimes seem overwhelming. Distress, fear, doubt, guilt, worry, and anxiety can at times feel so crushing that we just want to run and hide. Our problems can become so powerful that we try to ignore them, avoid them, or pretend they don’t exist. We find many diversions and distractions to prevent us from dealing with the real issue head on, which is our own sin.

Instead of hiding, we may respond by looking to the Lord for help, answers, forgiveness, salvation, and life. Come out of hiding and confront the enemy army with repentance, faith, forgiveness, victory, and life. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.