“David asked the men standing near him, ‘What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?’”(1 Samuel 17:26)
Many of us know how the story of David and Goliath ends, but how did it begin?
David’s legendary faith originated in the foothills of Bethlehem: tending sheep, talking to God, singing songs of worship, and trusting God enough to face wild beasts. For David, God was not just an acquaintance or a temple-bound deity. The Lord was his strength and ever-present friend.
Contrary to public opinion, David was really the one with the upper hand that day in battle:
- He knew the living God personally, so he didn’t trust human strength or idols with “no breath in them” (Jeremiah 10:14b).
- He had experienced God’s faithfulness; he’d relied on God in other battles and seen Him come through.
- He was secure in how God had created him; he took off Saul’s armor and put his shepherd’s robe back on.
- He had a passion for God’s honor; he was enraged that the enemy would “defy the armies of the living God.”
Christians should do battle the same way: walking intimately with God, recalling his faithfulness, thanking him for how he’s created us, and above all, making it our passion to glorify his name. How much do you trust God in your battles?
God, You are the living God and I want to keep on walking closely with you. When I face challenges, help me to trust in you fully. I believe you will help me stand strong and fight in a way that honors you. Thank you for your faithfulness. Amen.
Throughout this Day: Confess the ways you've been trying to win the battle on your own. Look back and thank God for how he's been faithful in the past; then resolve to bathe your decisions in prayer and to conduct yourself in a way that will honor your Lord.
Additional Resource: Learn another lesson from King David. Let God See You Naked.
Photo Credit: Roman Aguila on Unsplash