1 Samuel 17:11, 24 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid….And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.
The well-known story of David and Goliath is memorable because it teaches a powerful Biblical principle that we easily forget: “We walk by faith, not by sight.” “We look to the things that are unseen.” “Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed.”
When Saul and the men of Israel saw the giant Goliath challenge them to a personal duel, they were discouraged and very much afraid. Fear is the natural response of any normal human when facing a giant. The whole camp was scared witless of facing this monster of a man in one-on-one combat. The whole scenario struck fear into everyone, and no one had the courage to stand up to the giant alone.
There are many giants in our own life that threaten us in many different forms. The regular fears, doubts, worries, anxieties, and frustrations of life are the giants that plague us from time to time. Living by what we see and feel renders us weak, powerless, and afraid, especially when it looks like the problem is bigger than we are. Even our own human pride and strength is frightened. And if it feels like the problems are overwhelming we cower in hiding. And no matter how strong we think we are something bigger shows up.
Faith sees things differently, and perfect love (coming from faith) casts out fear. Jesus puts a Big God on our side, with Him we can face any giant.