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Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death.

1 Samuel 20:32–33, ESV

Fear can do strange things to our minds. It triggers a fight-or-flight response in us and can either prompt us to respond recklessly or cause us to hide. Jonathan could have let his fear keep him from protecting his friend, David, or lash out at his father, but Jonathan did neither. He did what he knew to be right. Our integrity is the central guide for us to stand on when facing life's challenges, but once we stray from it, it is almost impossible to regain. We are not meant to allow fear to drive us, but to stand steadfast in our integrity and face any challenge that crosses our path. To be fearful is not the issue, but our response to fear is to either allow it to keep us from doing what is right or to stand and face it directly. When we rely on God, He can give us the necessary strength to stand when things are difficult, but in the end, He will lead us into His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.