Courage to Begin

A Message to Non-Believers from 1 Chronicles 28:20

1 Chronicles 28:20 records a moment in which King David speaks to his son Solomon as the responsibility of building the temple is placed upon him. David says: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.” Though the passage arises from a religious setting, the message within it can be approached in a broader human sense, even by those who do not believe in God or accept the authority of scripture.

At its core, the verse speaks about the daunting nature of responsibility. Solomon is about to undertake an enormous project, one that will define a generation and shape the identity of his people. Anyone who has faced a difficult task can recognize the tension present in that moment. There is fear of failure, uncertainty about the future, and the awareness that expectations are high. David’s words confront that fear directly: be strong, be courageous, and begin the work.

For someone who does not believe in God, the encouragement in this passage can still resonate as a reflection on human courage and perseverance. Many important endeavors in life feel overwhelming at the beginning. Building something meaningful—whether a career, a community, a family, or a personal legacy—often begins with doubt. The temptation is to delay action until certainty arrives, yet certainty rarely comes. The instruction given to Solomon acknowledges that the work must begin despite fear.

Another striking element of the passage is its emphasis on completion. David does not speak merely about starting the work but about continuing until it is finished. In many areas of life, the greatest challenge is not the first step but the endurance required afterward. Enthusiasm can ignite beginnings, but perseverance sustains progress. The ancient text recognizes that long efforts demand inner resolve, the kind of resolve that persists even when obstacles arise.

From a secular perspective, the phrase about not being abandoned can also be understood symbolically. Human beings rarely accomplish significant tasks entirely alone. Support comes from mentors, friends, communities, and the accumulated knowledge of those who came before. Even if someone rejects the idea of divine assistance, the broader truth remains that individuals are often strengthened by the presence and encouragement of others. The reminder that one is not alone—whether spiritually, socially, or historically—can help transform anxiety into determination.

The passage also reflects a generational moment. David is handing responsibility to Solomon, passing forward a vision that will outlive him. Regardless of religious belief, this aspect of the story speaks to the human pattern of inheritance. Every generation receives unfinished work from the previous one. Societies inherit challenges, institutions, and ambitions that require continuation. In that sense, Solomon represents anyone who must step forward to carry a task that began before them.

There is also a quiet realism embedded in the instruction. David does not promise that the work will be easy. Instead, he assumes that fear and discouragement will appear. The command not to be discouraged implies that discouragement is inevitable. Recognizing difficulty without surrendering to it is a form of courage that transcends religious belief. It is a psychological discipline that allows individuals to move forward even when doubt whispers that failure is likely.

For non-believers, the value of examining ancient religious texts often lies in their insight into enduring human experiences. Even when the theological claims are set aside, the narratives preserve reflections on leadership, responsibility, fear, and perseverance. The words spoken to Solomon illustrate how previous civilizations grappled with the same anxieties that people experience today when confronting great expectations.

Ultimately, the message of 1 Chronicles 28:20 can be read as a call to action. Large tasks, whether sacred or secular, require both courage and commitment. Waiting for perfect confidence can prevent meaningful progress. Instead, the passage suggests that strength often grows in the act of doing the work itself.

For anyone standing at the threshold of a difficult undertaking—believer or not—the ancient advice still carries weight: begin the work, resist discouragement, and continue until the task is complete. Even across centuries, the challenge remains the same: courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to proceed despite it.