SCRIPTURE:
“David said to Saul, ‘Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.’ Saul replied, ‘You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth.’ But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’"
1 Samuel 17:32-37
OBSERVATION:
I’ve heard and read this wonderful account of David and Goliath numerous times and can recount and tell the story by memory. What is a blessing to me is how God’s word can have a applicable, renewing and fulfilling lesson for me each time that I read His word; if I am willing and ready to receive it. You would think that if David was thinking of going to battle with Goliath that he would be focused on how he would win the battle; his strengths, Goliath’s weaknesses, strategy, tactics, analysis, etc. However, his first words to Saul was “Let no one lose heart …” David found the wherewithal in his understanding of God almighty, rather than the prevailing situation and what he might conclude or discern by analysis and intellect. Even though Saul responded with doubt and rebuke, which would normally kill one’s fight; David found and exampled finding heart in God’s sovereignty and provision. He didn’t let the circumstances define his heart, but let his heart determine his circumstances, fortitude, and strength.
APPLICATION:
There are times like that I find myself pretty inundated with responsibility, assignment, and unexpected situations that can seem like a Goliath in nature; where I feel and propensity of being overwhelmed. For one who usually feels confident, in control, organized, and a “can do” mentality; I have to admit that situations based on my human nature and response, sometimes “in the flesh” and “self-determination,” I get excited to take on the situation or matter at hand, but then let thoughts of doubt and skepticism creep in. It seems clear that David’s relationship with God, and knowing how God had shown him in the past that God had his best in mind; enabled and empowered him to find heart and confidence. I need to remember and find comfort, peace, and encouragement in the power and name of Jesus, and the moving in the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me. My first step must be prayer and surrender. I stand on the Lord’s promises and faithfulness to find the heart to let my faith in the Lord define the circumstances and plan, rather than my analysis and all potential challenges determine my intent, strength, and fortitude.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for speaking to me and encouraging me through the heart of David, a heart after your heart; to find heart in trying and tribulate times. I pray for your continued guidance and perspective in facing and slaying the Goliaths in my life.
