As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the sheath. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword. (1 Samuel 17:48-51)
The Valley of Elah is the scene of one of the most famous battles in the entire Bible. What makes this battle so interesting is not due to the vastness of the battle or the ferocity of the two armies facing each other but rather it is the fact that this battle was fought between two people—David and Goliath.
Like David, we all face giants at some point. There are going to be people or circumstances we come across in life that will scare us, worry us, and overwhelm us. But when this happens, we must not succumb to fear and trembling. Instead, we must remember that we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, and we were not created with a spirit of fear.
When we face the giants life throws at us, there are three things we must remember to do.
1. Be focused on God’s presence.
2. Be fearless in God’s power.
3. Be fervent in God’s praise.
David did all of these things leading up to and during his fight with Goliath. He had full faith in the presence and power of the Lord, and David gave God praise when he conquered his enemy.
This entire story is not about a little shepherd boy who beat a huge giant. It is a story about GOD! The point of the battle between David and Goliath is this...there is a God who rescues, a God who will fight our battles for us, and a God who is bigger than any giant we will ever face.
Dear Lord, thank you that I don’t have to fear or worry when I face the giants in life. Help me to focus on your presence, to be fearless in your power, and to be fervent in giving you praise whenever I am opposed or overwhelmed. How amazing it is that you are so much greater than any giant that comes my way! Amen.
Topics: Courage
