Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
This passage of scripture confirms for us the fact that a true Christian lives fearlessly. Fear and doubt are antagonistic to faith, and therefore should have no part in the Christian's thinking and psyche. Our boldness does not come as a result of self-confidence, but rather as a result of our connection with the Lord Jesus Christ, who makes us more than conquerors. A striking example of what is here being referred to can be found in the experience of David, who had to face a real lion when he was taking care of his father's sheep. On this occasion, he was still young and of himself could obviously be no match for the king of beasts, yet because of his faith in God, he was able by the power of Christ to face the dangerous animal head on, and thus rescued the lamb that had been taken prey. Let's read:
1st Samuel 17:34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion" ...... "and took a lamb out of the flock: 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
It's important for us to observe where David caught the lion, not by his tail, because that would show that he attacked the beast at his weakest point, but he rather caught it by its beard, signalling to us that he had faced the lion head on. This fact is reminiscent of what Christ accomplished in the wilderness of temptation, when the devil, who walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, came upon Christ, at His physically weakest moment, yet Jesus faced the enemy head on and totally vanquished him, just as David had done through the power of God.
These experiences and victories should serve as an encouragement to us who have our own battles to fight, and who at times might be assailed by several lions all at the same time. There is the lion of doubt, where daunting problems and unexpected calamities come upon us suddenly, and for no apparent reason. Then there's the lion of financial debt in which we just can't seem to make ends meet, and we are tempted to take alternative, unscriptural methods of resolution. Then there is the lion of sinful habits, sins that seem to stubbornly resist any efforts at their eradication.
What ever the "Lion" might be, and wherever he may be crouching, let's us never forget that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, even the Lord Jesus Christ, has already vanquished all would be lions, and because of His stunning victories over all foes, seen and unseen, we too can now slay our little lions by taking them by the beard, and slaying them with the sword of the Spirit. The scriptures teach us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, and one of these "Things" is to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked through faith in The Living God.
We therefore end with a familiar passage of scripture which encourages us to put on the whole armor of God, and fight the good fight of faith, without relenting or wavering, for in the end we will conquer if we faint not. Let's read:
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
May God give us boldness in the day of battle, for the battle is not ours, but The Lord's. God bless!