Engage the Dumpster Strategy 

Have you ever been in an argument with someone with whom you have a history with; when they suddenly seem to make a trip to the proverbial garbage dump, digging around until they find something downright rotten you have done in the past, and then they throw it into the conversation as if it had a life-altering impact on the events at hand? These choice morsels are often cloaked in absolutes like “always” and “never” statements. As you know doubt reasoned, a person can’t fight against that kind of arsenal. And you and I have the emotional bumps and bruises to show for that bad behavior. 

That dumpster strategy is so detrimental to our personal relationships, it might surprise you to learn that David rightly uses this very tactic to his advantage in his battle against fear. You and I should follow suit when we are afraid. He brings up old stuff in his dialogue with the Lord, just like you and I tend to do in our own relationships, but not out of the garbage heap. David reaches back into his memory for the birthday wrapping paper, and the old popsicle sticks. He locates the “Finisher” marathon t-shirts and the paid bill stubs from when there were more bills than resources available to pay them. He calls to mind times when God has come through for him to deal with other bad guys in scary and difficult situations. 

In this pivotal moment, David recalls how situations have worked out for the bad guys in the past, and their future is not looking good based on previous experience. Somehow the fog becomes clear as he sifts through the facts. So even though the situation before him may be presenting like a catastrophe in the making, it’s the same old tactic the Enemy has used before. The future isn’t looking so bright for the opposition based upon past performance.  

Remembering how God has moved in your life is a tremendous offensive strategy against fear. Take time to think about your history together. How has God demonstrated His faithfulness to you? Go ahead. Rifle through that old stuff. Throw it in His face as a reminder that you have not forgotten what He has done. Let that mental memorabilia work its way into your prayers and begin to generate confidence like David that will help move you beyond your fear.