There is not a more prominent Biblical account of fear and courage than young David and his stand-off with Goliath. How this young non-soldier faced the greatest champion soldier of Israel’s strongest enemy holds the key to how fear works and how we can better face it. How did fear infect the hearts of one of the most powerful armies of the time, and how did young David face this fear and intimidation with such courage? The simple answer is that he trusted God, but that didn’t begin on the battlefield, but in his mind. That is where the battle was first won.
"4 "A champion out of the camp of the Philistines named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span[a] went out. 5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he wore a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels[b] of bronze. 6 He had bronze shin armor on his legs and a bronze javelin between his shoulders. 7 The staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron.[c]His shield bearer went before him."
1 Samuel 17 4-7
Fear Controls the Vision
The battle against fear is rooted in our thoughts. Maybe we’ve been hit, blindsided, grown complacent, tired, and the negative narrative has crept in. Goliath was a formidable enemy for Israel, fear personified. The very details of his armor, stature, and defensive armor defined him as impossible to fight. His offensive weapons were daunting and commensurate with his 9-foot-tall stature.* Before Goliath spoke a word, the vision of his mere presence evoked terror. The mighty army of Israel felt hopeless in the shadow of his image.
"He stood and cried to the armies of Israel, and said to them, “Why have you come out to set your battle in array? Am I not a Philistine, and you servants to Saul? If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then will we be your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you will be our servants and serve us.” 10 The Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel today! Give me a man, that we may fight together!” When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.!”
1 Samuel 17:8-10
Fear Controls the Narrative
After sizing up Goliath, he immediately struck with his words, belittling them, removing their identity in God by calling them Saul’s servants. They didn’t object to this lie, and it became their downfall. The untruths we don’t challenge become our deception and a stronghold for our enemies. Goliath confidently and brazenly challenged Israel with such extreme consequences to the Philistines if he lost, which was a pointed message. In his mind, there was no doubt he would win, and Israel held on to these words. Israel forgot they belonged to God and cowered in fear, forgetting that the battle was God’s, not theirs.
"When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. “1 Samuel 17:11
Paralysis of Repeated Fear
Every morning and night, Goliath consistently challenged Israel’s army, reinforcing his narrative until it consumed them with fear. They failed to confront his words, allowing him to shape their thoughts with a narrative of defeat. This is how the enemy works—building negative narratives that paralyze us. Is there an area of your life where you’ve been paralyzed with fear? Pray with me.
“The Philistine came near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.” 1 Samuel 17:16 WEB
Prayer
Dear Lord, I suffer from negative words that have become my truth, and it feels impossible to overcome them. I’ve not challenged them; I stand paralyzed, not knowing what to do other than finally agreeing with them. Lord, help me rebuild the narrative that the enemy has taken over. I choose to believe in Your power to overcome this. I pray what you have taught, “Lord, deliver me from evil.” Thank You, for showing me the way out of this. In You, I have victory; all things are possible with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
