 Hebrew text (1 Samuel 13:1) Saul was _________ years old when he began to reign and he reigned _________ and two years over Israel.  (Acts 13:21) “Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years.”  One possible Solution: That it should read “Saul was 30 years old when he began to reign and he reigned 30 and 2 years” This would mean he reigned 32 years on his own, but Acts 13:21 perhaps adds the 7 ½ years of his son Ishbosheth – so that the total years of Saul’s family/dynasty was 39 ½ or 40 years. HOW LONG DID SAUL REIGN?

SAUL’S PHILISTINE WAR Gilgal Gad Gilead Geba

 Failing to remember past fears that God solved  The failure of following fearful people around you  Failing to focus on God’s abilities HOW WE FAIL IN TIMES OF FEAR

1.Peer Pressure – The men were scattering 2.Blame – You didn’t come soon. 3.Time Pressure – The Philistines were gathering 4.Spiritual rationalization – Had not sought God’s favor.  So I felt compelled… EXCUSES WHEN WE’RE DESPERATE

 God’s ability to handle my fear {1} The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? ….  God’s presence in times of fear {4-5} One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. {5} For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock….  God’s timing for resolving my fear: (Psalms 27:13-14) I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. {14} Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Focused on truth in times of fear (Psalms 27)