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1 Samuel 17 (Click here to read the passage)
This is a famous and probably familiar narrative, but I encourage you to read it as if for the first time because there are some very interesting things happening in this chapter.
Obviously, this is the climax of the story is David’s battle with Goliath. As you read through this chapter, there are some important details to notice. First, notice that David is only a boy and is not numbered as one of the fighting men. Second, note that David is concerned with defending the honor of the Lord. He is the only one saying that something should be done because Goliath is defying the armies of the living God.
Third, notice what David says about his past. In the past, the Lord has worked and moved in David’s life as David protected the flock by killing a bear and a lion. David has strong trust in the Lord from past experiences.
Also notice that David doesn’t take on Saul’s armor. This is something practical because he isn’t used to the armor, but the refusal to wear the armor points us to something awesome as David keeps his shepherd’s attire. David carries nothing that would give him credit for the victory. No sword, spear, armor, or javelin, just shepherds’ clothing, a staff, and a sling, (verse 50). The purpose of this detail is to point to the Lord as the one who provides the victory. The Lord is the one providing the strength and power for David. The victory belongs to God! And David clearly gives the Lord all the glory. Look at what he says in verses 45-47.
Again, the narrative serves to contrast Saul and David. Saul refused to honor and accept the authority of the Lord, so the Lord withdrew His blessing from Saul. Saul and the army were fearful of the Philistines and were locked in a stalemate with Goliath. David, on the other hand, is filled with the Spirit, desires to defend the honor of the Lord, and totally trusts the Lord. His victory over Goliath is the spark that ignites the army which results in the utter defeat of the Philistines. Saul is king in name only while David is the king in waiting, filled with the Spirit and blessed by the Lord.
I love David’s trust in the Lord. That’s where we all need to be, totally trusting God with all things in our lives. However, this is not something that just happened in one quick impulsive decision on David’s part. David has had a long relationship with the Lord where his trust in the Lord has been formed and nurtured.
We are also invited to enjoy that same relationship with the Lord that David did. We’re invited to know, love, serve, and follow Jesus, entrusting every aspect of our lives to Him. And as we continue to pursue our relationship with Jesus our faith and trust in Him will grow and flourish.
One of the things that has helped me grow in my trust in the Lord has been by keeping a prayer list. I keep a list of people and circumstances that I pray for continually. I keep track of prayer requests by dating them and noting how the Lord answers my requests in one of three ways – yes, no, or entrusted, (meaning that after much prayer and not receiving a “yes” or a “no,” I entrust that concern to the Lord). It’s awesome to look back and see how the Lord has worked and moved in every situation. There are times when I look over the entrusted prayers and am amazed at how God has answered over time. Keeping this record has encouraged me and drawn me closer to the Lord. I’ve seen how He has worked and moved in my life and in the lives of others. In the process, I’ve grown and affirmed my trust in the Lord and it has helped me face my own Goliaths.
I want to encourage you to intentionally seek to entrust everything to the Lord. Trust Jesus with the big things and the small. As your trust in the Lord grows, you’ll be amazed at how easily those Goliaths fall before you, not because you’re awesome or deserve it, but because you trust the Lord and stand for Him.
See what God will do in your life. Pursue that relationship and entrust Him with everything - if you dare.
God bless you and know that you are prayed for constantly.
Scott
Isaiah 30.15
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
Isaiah 12.2
“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
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