THROUGHOUT THE BIBLE we find courageous figures threatened with overwhelming fear when faced with the challenges that progress demands. So it is that the Biblical injunctions, "Fear not," and "Be not afraid," feature throughout the Old and New Testaments. And those obedient to these commands, grappling with and overcoming their fears, proved their worthiness to be in the service of God and victors in His cause.
The Old Testament includes depictions of many historical figures who did just that. David, who was to replace Saul as king of Israel, had reason to fear when the angry and jealous king pursued him relentlessly. Moses and Joshua, who took on major responsibilities in unfamiliar leadership roles, apparently both feared their own inadequacy. Yet each of these individuals was able to overcome his fear through a connection to God, regardless of the severity of the external situation.
Recall that a psalm attributed to David says the following: "I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy." Ps. 59:16, 17.
