In the story of Goliath, Israel was in a need of a champion. As a nation, their hope for a champion rested in King Saul, since he was the most skilled and decorated warrior Israel had to offer. As King, it was Saul’s duty to go one-on-one with Goliath. So as the days passed without stepping up to face the giant, King Saul’s credibility lessened, and any hope Israel had of defeating Goliath went down the drain with it.
Along comes a 15-year old shepherd boy, who was not confused about any of this. He could see clearly because he loved and knew God’s law: “…an enemy of God’s people is an enemy of God.” And clearly to David, Goliath was defying God! He acted confidently because he knew that to defeat Goliath, his hope and trust had to be placed in God. Just like when he went up against the lion and bear. He walked humbly, going before the king to state his case, as to why Goliath would be defeated, which of course had nothing to do with his mad “ninja” warrior skills, strength, or weapons of choice, but because in the face of death, he knew God controlled the final outcome.
Humble shepherd. Giant-slayer. Gifted poet. Mighty warrior. Flawed man. Legendary leader. David – one of history’s most famous kings – wasn’t great because of his reputation or military prowess. He was great because of where he’d learned to place his hope.
Just like David, when we place our hope in the Lord, we see clearly, act confidently, and walk humbly. And in the moments when it looks like the world has turned against us, and Goliath is about to take us down – we place our lives in the one who has the whole world, and all the variables in His hand! Down goes Goliath!!!
Just like David, when we place our hope in the Lord; we see clearly, act confidently, and walk humbly.
Confession for today: “Today my hope and trust is You Jesus. Through every situation I’m placed in today, I allow You to control the variables and outcome, so I can see clearly, act confidently, and walk humbly, achieving all that You have for me.”
Living for today,
Mr. Tom
