Overcoming The “Goliaths” In My Life
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Samuel 17:1-58 and Psalm 56 (NIV)
(Richard Thong, Precept@Wesley Chairperson)
READ:
1 Samuel 17:1-58 and Psalm 56 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Goliath, the giant (1 Samuel 17:4-7; 10-11; 16; 23-24)
Goliath, the Philistine giant of more than nine feet tall, openly defied the armies of Israel and challenged them day and night for 40 days to have a one-on-one fight with him. The giant indeed terrified all the army of Israel.
David, the shepherd boy (1 Samuel 17: 32-40; 45; 50)
David told Saul he would fight Goliath. Verses 34-37 tell us that David drew his courage not from his own abilities but from his complete trust in God, who had rescued him from the jaws of lions or bears in the past.
This might seem like a battle between David and Goliath. However, David saw a powerful and awesome God fighting for him. Hence, David said to Goliath, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (v45)
Verse 50 tells us that with the help of mighty God, David struck down the giant with the use of a sling and a stone.
Years later, we see in Psalm 56:4, how when David faced danger in enemy territory, he reminded himself of God’s trustworthiness: “In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid.” (Also in verses 10 and 11)
APPLY:
I may not be facing a physical nine-foot tall Goliath. However, Goliaths can come in the form of pride, envy, worry, false accusations, selfishness, temptation and fear. In fact, I must admit that these giants can ambush me anytime and anywhere.
Like David, I must place my trust in God as I remember how He has helped me in overcoming many of these Goliaths in the past. I must also equip myself with the full armor of God ( Ephesians 6:11) and draw strength from Psalm 56:4.
DO:
I will keep a record of all my Goliath moments and how God in His faithfulness and mercy has delivered me from these challenges. These will strengthen my faith in facing the next Goliath that comes along, knowing that my God is mightier than the giant. I can overcome any Goliath in my life with God’s help.
PRAY:
Father God, thank You that whenever I am faced with a Goliath in my life, I can look to you for help.
I am grateful for the precious blood of Jesus who has made it possible for me to have such access.
In my Saviour Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
