Monday, April 13, 2026

          In the Bible, David is famous for many moments and achievements.  One of his most memorable moments came before he was king over Israel.  That moment was his battle with Goliath the Philistine giant.  Goliath was nine feet and nine inches tall—almost the size of a basketball goal.  Can you imagine how much money he would make playing basketball today!  No one in Israel wanted to fight this giant.  1 Samuel 17:11 says that “Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.”  The Bible says that for forty days, morning and evening, Goliath came to the frontlines to taunt Saul and Israel and to take an imposing stand of defiance.  No one rose up to fight him—probably because no one had a death wish.  But also, there is no mention of Israel ever praying to the LORD about Goliath and what to do.  In human strength alone, a lot of giants and enemies look imposing and threatening.
            But then David chose to fight Goliath.  He said, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him” (1 Samuel 17:32).  So, David approached Goliath with only a sling and five smooth stones chosen from a stream bed.  When Saul tried to talk David out of fighting this battle, he responded with a powerful statement of faith.  He said, “The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).  This faith statement offers some important truths that might speak to us when we face life’s battles and giants today. 
            First, David spoke of the LORD.  No battle can be faithfully fought and righteously won apart from the Lord’s help.  Simply, we need the Lord.  Left to ourselves, we will probably choose the wrong ways and things.  We may still fight battles, but we may likely fight them in ways that are earthly, sinful and carnal.  Winning at all costs or any cost is not a strategy that honors God or brings good things to us.  We first begin by inviting the Lord to be Lord over the battles and giants that we face.  Commit the battle to the Lord.  David said, “for the battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17:47b). 
            Second, David remembered God’s faithfulness in past times.  He could recall times when God had rescued him from lions and bears and other ordeals.  When we face battles today, we want to remember the goodness of God and the faithfulness of God in the past.  Our memories serve as good prologues and encouragements for today’s battles.  The memories of where and how God has worked can calm our raging pulse, soothe our rapid breathing and steady a racing mind.  Take a deep breath and remember who God is and what He has done for you.
            Third, David was confident in the Lord in the present.  He declared that God “will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”  He did not waver.  He did not worry.  We can be confident that God works all things together for our good and His glory (consider Romans 8:28).  God is our rock and refuge.  A quick look at many of the Psalms remind us of God’s majesty and might.  There are no battles or giants too great for the Lord to defeat and prevail over. 
            And finally, David was forward looking.  He eagerly anticipated this battle and how God would work through it to deliver both him and Israel.  He did not postpone it or try to talk Goliath into some alternative to settle things.  We can always look forward to what God has in store for us.  We can always anticipate blessings and God-sightings of where our Lord has faithfully provided and been at work.  We can wake up in the midst of battles and trials and gladly look to where God might be at work and what He is doing next.  We can also stay dedicated to whatever work that God has given us to do.  We can do what God has called us to do and be what God has called us to be while we look forward to what He does next.  Have a great Monday!