In today’s portion of the “David and Goliath” story, a different element is introduced.  In yesterday’s reading we saw Saul and the Israelites trembling in fear.  In today’s reading we see a young shepherd boy reacting in a completely opposite way – ready to fight, trusting in the living God to protect him.

 

Two things really stood out to me in this passage.  The first thing is David’s response to Saul in verse 37:  “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”  David was relying on God’s faithfulness.  God had been faithful to him in the past, and that gave him the assurance that God would be faithful to him in the present.  A knowledge of God’s faithfulness is often the one thing that helps me through the darkest times of my life.  When I am on my knees crying out to God in the midst of a crisis, it is then that I am reminded that even though I may not see anything good in my current situation, I know that God has always been faithful to me in the past (especially during the hardest times of my life) and if I am seeking Him, he will also be faithful in my current situation.  

 

The second thing that stood out to me was David’s reaction to Saul’s suggestion to use his armor.  David told Saul “I cannot go in these because I am not used to them.”  Instead, David chose the stones and slingshot that were a comfortable fit for him.  I think some real life applications can be drawn from David’s example.  David did not try to fit into someone else’s mold, nor did he compare himself to anyone else.  He let God use him in the way that was just right for him.

 

As I think about today’s reading, I hope to remember to rely on God’s faithfulness.  I also want to seek the ways that God might use me today, not looking at the way others might complete the same task, but knowing that God has imparted gifts that are unique to me and my situation.  Just like David, I want to do what is the right fit for me, not what others think is best.  But most importantly, I want to seek the living God and gain my strength from Him.  As you go off to meet your “giant” today, I hope you too will rely on God’s faithfulness, use your unique gifts, and pray to the living God to help you with the task at hand – just like David.

 

Your fellow traveler,

 

Laurie