What Does The Response Of The Servant Reveal About Our Human Tendency To Fear In The Face Of Overwhelming Circumstances?
The Servant's Response: Understanding Human Fear in Overwhelming Circumstances
The pages of Scripture are filled with stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. One particularly vivid account is found in 2 Kings 6, where the servant of the prophet Elisha wakes up to discover the city of Dothan surrounded by a hostile army. His immediate reaction reveals much about our human tendency to fear when confronted with circumstances beyond our control.
The Servant's Fearful Response
Upon seeing the army, the servant exclaims:
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an army with horses and chariots was round about the city. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! How shall we do? - 2 Kings 6:15 ASV
This cry, "Alas, my master! How shall we do?" is a raw and honest expression of fear and helplessness. The servant sees only immediate danger. His reaction is entirely understandable—he is overwhelmed by what appears to be an impossible situation.
Our Tendency to Fear
The servant’s response mirrors our own when faced with overwhelming circumstances. Fear is a common human reaction when our resources seem inadequate and the odds are stacked against us. Scripture acknowledges this tendency:
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee. - Psalm 56:3 ASV
Fear itself is not sinful—it is an emotion that signals our vulnerability. However, what we do with our fear matters greatly. Will it paralyze us, or drive us to trust in God?
Elisha’s God-Centered Perspective
Elisha responds not with panic, but with calm assurance:
And he answered, Fear not; for they that are with us are more than they that are with them. - 2 Kings 6:16 ASV
Then Elisha prays that the servant’s eyes would be opened to see God’s provision:
And Jehovah opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. - 2 Kings 6:17 ASV
The difference between Elisha and his servant was not the situation, but their perspective. Elisha saw the unseen reality of God’s presence and power; the servant saw only the visible threat.
Faith Over Fear: The Biblical Response
Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to respond to fear with faith. The antidote to fear is not denial, but trust in the sovereign God who is always with us:
Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. - Isaiah 41:10 ASV
The New Testament echoes this truth, reminding us that God’s perfect love casts out fear:
There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18 ASV
Ultimately, our security is rooted in the finished work of Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has overcome our greatest enemies—sin and death—demonstrating that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39 ASV).
Practical Insights
- Acknowledge fear honestly. Like the servant, bring your fears to God in prayer.
- Seek God’s perspective. Ask Him to open your eyes to His presence and provision, just as Elisha prayed for his servant.
- Remember God’s faithfulness. Rehearse the promises of God and His past faithfulness in your life.
- Trust in Christ. Anchor your hope in Jesus, who is greater than any circumstance.
Conclusion
The servant’s response in 2 Kings 6 reveals our natural tendency to fear when we feel outnumbered or outmatched. Yet, the story also shows that faith is not rooted in the absence of trouble, but in the presence of God. As we fix our eyes on Jesus and trust in His promises, we discover the courage to face overwhelming circumstances, knowing that “they that are with us are more than they that are with them.”