This past week, I read the familiar story of David and Goliath. Goliath is described as a nine foot champion (1 Samuel 17:4, NLT), a seemingly formidable foe for young David. He had struck fear in the hearts of many a man:
“When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken” (verse 11).
Goliath taunted the Israelites every day and night, for forty days, continually. He knew he could wear them down with his insults and fear would get the better of them sooner or later.
David had to be aware of his age and size, for he was the youngest of his brothers. The day he went to the battlefield to bring his brothers food, David heard the usual taunting of Goliath to the army of Israel.
“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul, “I’ll go fight him!” (verse 32)
David displayed courage (verse 32) which contrasted Saul’s fear (verse 11).
Goliath taunted David just the same, if not worse, than he had the army. But David knew whose Name and power had truly armed him for battle. David’s advantage was not his weapons but his God. David stated with confidence,
“You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies – the God of the armies of Israel, who you have defied.”
“Today the Lord will conquer you.”
“And everyone here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle.” (verses 45-47).
We fight a battle everyday and the enemy will taunt us as well.
There are battles that are not ours to fight. They are won by and through the Name and power of our Lord. We would be wise to let Him fight them for us.
“When a man has no strength, if he leans on God, he becomes powerful.” (D.L. Moody)
A few questions come to mind:
- Are we leaning?
- Who or what are we leaning on?
As we faithfully and continually lean on God, we will not topple. We may wobble a bit, but we won’t fall down. May we stand.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)
Today I am joining … #DreamTogether and Moments of Hope and Soul Survival .
Very good thing to ponder on this Monday morning. Who am I leaning on? When I head into the day …or week …leaning on God, I have faith I’ll get through it no matter what it holds.
Happy Monday!
#SoulSurvival
Megs
It is so easy to lean on our own understanding or that of others. May we lean on the whole counsel of God and stand firm. Have a great week, Megs!
Thanks for this encouragement. I love the quote you shared and it is so important to remember to lean on God instead of depending on our own strength.
My commentary shared the quote from D.L. Moody which I so appreciated. Glad it spoke to you as well!
I love the story of David and Goliath! I’m facing a few “giants” this week, so this is the perfect encouragement with which to start my Monday morning. Thanks!
Shannon, as you face your “giants”, may you constantly remember Who will fight for you. May you find courage and strength increasingly this week!
Thanks for these inspiring words! It’s such a great reminder to lean on God. (Now I have “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” in my head…that will help this stick!) â¤
So funny, Laura, as I was humming that song while writing the post. Even now, this is what is playing as I type – – https://youtu.be/wiNni3jIbGg 🙂
Sometimes, the old hymns truly is how God makes the reminder stick!
Have a blessed week!