The account of David’s victory of Goliath is often viewed as the success of a youthful, exuberant, and clever man over a lumbering, boastful oaf. But viewing it that way misses the key point and the point that is most applicable for us today: The battle belongs to the Lord.
David understood that this was not a battle between him and a giant - but between His God and the powers of unbelief. The Israelites fled in fear because they saw only their strength, but were blind to the God who would fight the battle for them.
I’ve fallen into that trap before. I’ve believed that the task before me was too great, the road too hard, the burden too much. But if the path is the one God has set before me, He will carry me when I can’t take another step. He will fight the giants in my path. He has already defeated death and hell, so whatever adversary I face is certainly no match for Him.
So how do we overcome fear and trust God in these battles we face? David first focused on God’s faithfulness in the past - as God had delivered him from the lion and the bear, he trusted God to deliver him in this situation. Before stepping in to battle, we must spend some time revisiting the work God has done in our life in the past. Wherever we are in our walk with the Lord, we should be able to see His fingerprints on our life. Recall the times He has rescued us, the ways He has provided comfort and healing, and the moments when we thought we couldn't go on, but He gave us strength.
Next, David refused to put his trust in the world’s wisdom. Saul offered his armor - not a bad gift for someone headed into battle. But David recognized that to don the armor would be to put his faith in that to save him, rather than in God. This doesn’t mean we should forego seatbelts or football helmets (or masks), but our whole dependence needs to be on the Lord to provide.
Once he committed to the battle, he was all in. David ran toward the battle line and acted quickly and decisively. Too often, I want to take tentative steps toward the fray, hesitantly wanting to see what God will do and be reassured, instead of acting boldly in faith.
What battles are you facing? What giant looms on your horizon, taunting you and mocking what God has done in your life? Know that any giant that threatens the promises God has made to you, His child, has already been defeated by Christ.
David understood that this was not a battle between him and a giant - but between His God and the powers of unbelief. The Israelites fled in fear because they saw only their strength, but were blind to the God who would fight the battle for them.
I’ve fallen into that trap before. I’ve believed that the task before me was too great, the road too hard, the burden too much. But if the path is the one God has set before me, He will carry me when I can’t take another step. He will fight the giants in my path. He has already defeated death and hell, so whatever adversary I face is certainly no match for Him.
So how do we overcome fear and trust God in these battles we face? David first focused on God’s faithfulness in the past - as God had delivered him from the lion and the bear, he trusted God to deliver him in this situation. Before stepping in to battle, we must spend some time revisiting the work God has done in our life in the past. Wherever we are in our walk with the Lord, we should be able to see His fingerprints on our life. Recall the times He has rescued us, the ways He has provided comfort and healing, and the moments when we thought we couldn't go on, but He gave us strength.
Next, David refused to put his trust in the world’s wisdom. Saul offered his armor - not a bad gift for someone headed into battle. But David recognized that to don the armor would be to put his faith in that to save him, rather than in God. This doesn’t mean we should forego seatbelts or football helmets (or masks), but our whole dependence needs to be on the Lord to provide.
Once he committed to the battle, he was all in. David ran toward the battle line and acted quickly and decisively. Too often, I want to take tentative steps toward the fray, hesitantly wanting to see what God will do and be reassured, instead of acting boldly in faith.
What battles are you facing? What giant looms on your horizon, taunting you and mocking what God has done in your life? Know that any giant that threatens the promises God has made to you, His child, has already been defeated by Christ.
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