Most are familiar with the biblical account of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). When young David courageously confronted the giant from Gath, it was a defining moment in his life and revealed much about his relationship with God.
King Saul and his armies were embarrassingly impotent to act and completely immobilized by their fear of this imposing and intimidating threat. How was it that a young shepherd was able to display such calm and confidence in approaching this fearsome, menacing giant?
Much of the answer lies in the fact that David was a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). Their relationship was one of profound depth and genuine intimacy. It was real. God was an active and integral part of David's daily life, which was in complete harmony with His will. In fact, God's will had become David's will.
David's utter dependence on God is revealed as he rehearses to Saul: The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine (1 Samuel 17:37). Because of his close relationship with God, and his past experience of God's protection and provision, David realized that his strength was in the Lord God Almighty! And that's where our strength is too.
When we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30), and seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), [desiring above all else to do His will and glorify Him], then we will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). And we too, will be able to effectively confront and defeat the Goliaths in our lives.
Terry Schmidt
02-11-18
