Article March 29, 1930 Issue

The Overcoming of Fear

WILLIAM MACNAGHTEN MACDONALD

In the Gospel records there is abundant evidence that from the beginning to the end of his brief ministry Christ Jesus found himself confronted on all sides not only by ignorance and sin, but by the sense of fear which inevitably accompanies these conditions. How frequently the Master exhorted those around him to banish fear and doubt and to have faith in God! But the unwillingness or inability of his hearers to understand the presence and power of God, divine Love, prevented them from comprehending the works of the Master, who so clearly apprehended and so marvelously demonstrated the truths he taught.

As foretold by the prophet Isaiah, the mission of Christ Jesus was to bring health, comfort, and joy to mankind, that they might have life, as Jesus himself said, "more abundantly." In order to possess and enjoy these blessings, however, a measure of confidence was requisite. In other words, it was essential that fear should be eliminated and replaced by trust. To this end our Lord's teachings were constantly directed.

Many of the outstanding narratives in the Old Testament deal with the overcoming of various phases of fear. Daniel's triumph in the den of lions; that of the undaunted young Hebrews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, in the fiery furnace; David's conquest of Goliath—these tell eloquently of the faith and confidence in God which drive out mortal fear.

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