Who or What is Your Goliath?
Life is full of changes, they can happen in an instant or over a period of
time, but change is inevitable.
These changes can catch us off guard, bring about very uncomfortable feelings.
They could be to do with a person in your life, change in personal circumstances
or a fresh challenge ahead. Either one of these can bring about fear.
I write this, as I too face an enormous challenge ahead. I am leaving my home to
go abroad for a month. I am going alone on the journey and do not really know
what will happen. This morning fear really struck me to the core.
The Lord then reminded me of the story of David and the Goliath. Just
remembering the story in the Bible gave me hope and confidence. I decided to do
a little research myself. I haven’t read the story for a while and thought it
would be good to read it again.
David, out looking after his sheep, a humble shepherd, was called to visit his
brothers out on the battle field where they were being taunted by the giant
Philistine, Goliath. Not only was this man a physically impressive, but the mere
presence of him brought shudders to the Israelites. Fear! Such a great enemy!
“When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were
dismayed, and greatly afraid”…. 1 Samuel 17 v 11
Who did God send to his people, a humble shepherd. God had been preparing David.
He was small in stature and the baby amongst his brothers. He was thought of as
a fly in the ointment, a pest. But God had his eye on David. God sees the heart
not just what is on the outside.
When David approached his brothers and heard all the commotion over this giant
called Goliath, the words that David spoke next reverberated around the
Israelites in astonishment.
“…For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of
the living God?”….1 Samuel 17 v26
In utter disbelieve, David’s brothers reprimanded him for such an outburst
against such an enemy! But David knew God. David had experienced the workings of
his God. David boldly says ‘the living God'
This is very important, God is alive, working, active, not just some stoned
figure statue of a false god.
David had life experience looking after his sheep from bears, wolves and lions.
His life experience backed up the living reality of knowing God.
“David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion,
and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this
Philistine”…. 1 Samuel 17 v 37
David took a humble staff, sling and stones. He was not dressed up as a warrior
but took simple, humble weapons, things that God had given him. David was not
into showmanship. Goliath, Philistine, giant was armoured from head to toe in
man-made decor. David’s armour was spiritual. The Lord, the living God. David
stood in front and faced Goliath trusting. Not in false hope but in deep trust.
“…. For the battle is the Lord’s”…. 1 Samuel 17 v 47
This humble shepherd, David, was guided by the Great Shepherd.
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want”…. Psalm 23 v 1
So if you are feeling afraid today or at any time read the story of David and
Goliath and take comfort that God is real. He is living and active and will take
us as we are, with what we have and fight our battles for us.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the
Strength of my life; of whom should I be afraid”… Psalm 27 v 3
Who or what is your Goliath, take heart God is with you!
Jacqui Julyan