19 And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.” 20 And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. 21 And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. 22 For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. 23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 24 Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 25 But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.” (I Samuel 12)
The people of Israel had a reason to be afraid: a history of sin and rebellion. Yet, even after another act of rebellion, Samuel says: "do not live in fear." Fear is a God-given ability to react properly to a situation, but like adrenaline, it is not good or healthy for us to stay there. Fear should move us, it should bear frut. First, to repentance, as the people do here. Second, to renewed faith in the character and plan of God: that He is good and He wants good for us. Thirdly, a move to unselfish living, a change from focusing on what we want to what others need. Samuel demonstrates that here by his heartfelt prayers for his people. He wants them to know the joy of fearless living before a holy and loving God.
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