Chapter 5 Discussion

Joab Black’s son was killed by wild dogs. In this chapter Joab and Sarah prepare to bring Rupert’s body home, but a storm is building on the other side of the river. By the time they are loaded and ready to head home, the storm is about to unleash its fury.

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to once again see a similar, though somewhat milder storm. This type of storm is called a "storm bomb" and is a severe storm that is over with in a manner of minutes. The sky clears, leaving no evidence such a storm happened except for the devastation it leaves behind.

Storms, of all types, can incite fear. Fear at times can rule us, holding us captive to its every whim.

What does fear cause us to do?

• Duck and run

• Bury our heads in the sand

• Get angry and lash out at someone

• Feel trapped

• Get discouraged

• Cry

Read Mark 4:37-40.

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

When fear rules our lives, what do we look for?

• Safety, security

• Help

• A way of escape

Can this take our eyes off of God?

Yes, if we are not turning to Him for help.

While fear is a natural reaction God has given us to dangerous situations, when it rules our reactions and causes us to act contrary to Biblical wisdom and behavior, it can demonstrate our lack of trust in God.

Let’s take some time to look at trusting God. Read Psalm 44:6-7.

For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.

Should we put our trust solely in man’s instruments of protection?

No.

What can these instruments be?

• Savings accounts

• Guns

• Investment portfolios

• Locks on our doors

• Home Security

Read Ruth 2:12.

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Who did Boaz say that Ruth trusted? God

Sometimes trusting God means taking a step out in blind faith. Trust requires us to set aside our fears and set our mind on God.

What exercises can we do that helps us put our trust in God and not fear the circumstances surrounding us?

• • Praying

  • Reading God’s Word

  • Refusing to dwell on the hurt or the object of fear

  • Determining to see God’s hand in the situation, that is to look for what He might do through our suffering that might bring Him glory. Such determination is impossible unless you abandon your will to God's and love God more than comfort, the things of this world, and even more than the people you love.

We seek security in our lives, building around us electronic fortresses and saving our money for the future. Desiring security isn’t sinful, but when that desire causes us to question God, like Sarah did in Chapter Two, we need to consider the place it has taken in our lives. Is it possible we are worshiping risk-free living?