As David headed to the frontlines of Israel’s military conflict with the Philistines to bring supplies to his brothers, he found an astonishing situation. The army of the God of Israel was cowering in their tents paralyzed by their common fear of the Philistine warrior champion, Goliath. All the soldiers had personally sheltered themselves in place for fear.
This position astonished young David. He exclaimed, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” David, empowered by the Lord and his faith convictions, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel. . . For the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hand.” (I Samuel 17:45-47) And God delivered the nine-foot giant into David’s hand with one smooth stone.
Now while David did have confidence due to his past experience of killing a lion and a bear that threatened his flock, his fundamental confidence was in the LORD. He believed some very specific things about God that enabled him to act courageously in the face of a fearsome enemy.
If we are to not fear or be anxious or not worry, like David, what are we to believe?
Isaiah 41:10 gives us some great insights:
“fear not, for I am with you” – God’s presence. David proclaimed in the 23rd Psalm, “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” Like a father alongside a scared child in the dark, God assures that I am with you, so do not be afraid.
“I am your God” – God’s prominence. He is not only with us, but the creator and king is with us. He is your personal God! He is sovereign. He is in control, therefore do not be afraid.
“I will strengthen you” – God’s power. There is nothing that God will take you to that He will not take you through. As Paul discovered, God’s power is manifest in our weakness, therefore we should gladly boast of our weaknesses so that God’s power can be revealed within us. He is all-powerful, therefore do not be afraid.
“I will help you” – God’s provision. God is not just present and powerful in our lives, but He can and will use His power to care for us. Just like the manna in the wilderness, we must learn to depend upon Him for our daily bread. He provides, so do not be afraid.
“I will uphold you” – God’s protection. God cares! Peter writes, “casting all your anxieties on Him, because HE CARES FOR YOU!” – (I Peter 5:7) He cares for you, so you should not be afraid.
These five convictions lived out in our lives will help us be a David before our Goliaths. May this faith grant you the courage you need to conquer your fears.
Tom Reynolds
Director of Ministry and Chairman of the Board