If you haven’t read the full story of David & Goliath in awhile click here. You may also want to check out parts 1, 2, and 3 in this series.
Then (David) took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine. So the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him. And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking. So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. ~ 1 Samuel 17: 40-43
Here we find David and Goliath preparing to square off against one another. Actually, did you notice that it is two against one? Not only is David facing Goliath, a giant six cubits and a span (approximately nine feet) tall, but Goliath also has a buddy carrying his shield for him (1 Samuel 17:4, 1 Samuel 17:41).
Anyone who had any ability to use logic would have assumed that David was going down; that Goliath (and his buddy) were going to take David out in a matter of moments. Goliath was so sure of himself that he was seriously offended that David was even out on the filled in the first place. “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” he says.
So what gave? What enabled David to defeat Goliath? As I read this passage I was reminded of this song:
The victory is mine when the battle is the Lord’s
Hosanna! Hosanna!
No enemy can stand when His praise goes forth
Hosanna! Hosanna!
David did not defeat Goliath by his own power. David recognized his weakness, he recognized his need for God’s intervention and said, “I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel… This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand” (1 Samuel 17:45, 46). David knew that the battle belonged to the LORD.
So what are your modern day Goliaths? What are you facing that seems impossible to defeat? Maybe it addiction to a substance, or pornography, or even social media. Maybe you have enemies at work or school. Perhaps your own self-doubt has you held captive. Remember that when all logic tells you that you are destined to fail that you have the LORD in your corner. Give the battle to Him and enjoy the victory.
Lord, I am not claiming that all of life will be easy with You in our corner. All of life has it’s struggles, but when those struggles come help each of us to rely on You to overcome our Goliaths. Help us to focus on You! Help us to send you praise when we stand before our enemies! Help us to give the battle to you and claim the victory. In Your name. Amen.
I hope my thoughts help you understand how this scripture can be applied to our modern lives, but don’t just take my word for it. Dive into The Bible yourself, pray, and ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you.
Have a question or a thought? Please feel free to leave a comment.