| 1:58 MIN READ |

Filters are popular in photography. Certain filters add color; others remove color. Some change the amount of light in the exposure. Some filters are added while taking pictures and others in post-production. Photographs can be enhanced by filters or ruined by them.

When it comes to life, we’re often living under the influence of filters. We view the world through past experiences, usually bad ones. We look at our circumstances, relationships, and opportunities through filters of unresolved pain, anger, resentment, grief, and disappointments. These filters distort, color, darken, and reduce our ability to see life and God, clearly and accurately.

This happened to the Israelite soldiers facing the giant, Goliath. While David saw the situation clearly, and responded to it with faith, the rest of the Israelites looked at the situation through a filter called fear. It’s one of the most common distorters of reality. They fell prey to it, as do we, all too often.

Look at how fear controlled these folks, 1 Samuel 17:23, 24 (NIV) “As he [David] was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.”

Notice what fear did to these otherwise strong military men. They ran! When they heard Goliath’s words, they turned their backs to Goliath and fled as fast as possible. It’s sad, but it’s also frequently true of us. The filter of fear gets in the way of our vision of God and His greatness.

After David faced down Goliath and defeated him, the fear filters on these soldiers were removed. Then, and only then, were they able to run toward their enemy in faith. After fear was gone, victory was won, and the plunder of the Philistines was enjoyed.

What filters are messing up your vision? When you remove the distorted and destructive filters, you’re ready to move forward!

Pastor Dale

Tweet