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"And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house." (I Samuel 23: 15-18)David was going through a difficult time in his life. He had done nothing wrong, nor did he have any impure motives; yet king Saul wanted him dead and was hunting him down to kill him. Not only had David done nothing wrong. He had been a faithful servant of the king, actually one of the best. He had fought the king's battles, soothed him when he was troubled. Why, he was even the king's son-in-law. The only explanation for Saul's behavior was the crime of jealousy in the first degree. David never said an evil word toward the king in response to all the evil that Saul intended upon David.After some time of being in exile, David was discouraged. Jonathan had made a covenant of friendship with David. He risked his own standing to go out and encourage David. He helped him find strength in God. This is the best thing you can do for a discouraged friend.Jonathan gave him the often-repeated Biblical message, "Fear not." Many is the time we think any or even all of our efforts are in vain, but if you are being obedient to God, it is never in vain. God will see you through. Your enemies will not triumph in the end. Jonathan told David of his convictions that one day David would reign. He knew it would come to be.Perhaps you have discouraged friends who need help to find strength in God. You can encourage them not to fear. You can encourage them with what God promises in His Word. They need to look at what God did for them in the past and what He wants to do for them now, and not to get all bogged down bummed out with trouble and turmoil.Friends, when people are surrounded on all sides with the difficulties and the dangers this old world holds, they have but one path to victory, and that is God's mighty ability to banish their greatest fears. Ask yourself who can I encourage in the faith today who's been living in fear lately?