Another Victory

Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 17^th Chapter

My mind can picture the scene between one young man and one giant. These two stand in a valley between their armies, in cultural, physical, and theological opposition. The young man, David, servant of King Saul, is a minstrel, and sheep herder. The champion from the warring people, Goliath, nine feet tall with a bad disposition, foul mouthed, foul breathed, with an arrogant strut.

The armies of Israel are cowering in their boots trembling at the sound of the giants’ threats. Centuries before the imagined character ‘Jack’ met the also imagined ‘fe fi fo fum…’ singing villain at sky high tree tops, young David of Bethlehem Judah heard the outlandish insults of Goliath of Gath.

David is the least regarded son in his father’s eyes, by his own admission, and his father’s blatant favoritism (as seen in 1 Samuel 16^th chapter). David’s days are spent on the hillside with his sheep. David is content to sing a melody of praise to GOD as he watches over the gentle sheep. David has protected the sheep from wild lions and ferocious bears. He has guided the sheep to still waters and pleasant valleys. GOD has granted David victories. David treasures each victory to bolster his confidence in the GOD of whom he sings a praise.

Our scriptural reference finds David bringing provisions to his eldest brothers who are on the hillside trembling at the threats of arrogant Goliath. David’s brothers have joined King Saul in this standoff. King Saul is a diminished man since the presence of GOD has left him. King Saul is paranoid and catatonic with fear because he is without GOD’s presence and knows he cannot be triumphant in war, successful in leadership, or respected as the monarch of Israel without the presence of GOD.

David is in the camp looking for his brothers and he hears rumors about Israel’s Philistine nemesis, Goliath. Goliath is the embodiment of Israel’s fears. As Goliath speaks blasphemy against ‘the GOD of Israel’s armies’ David decides this is too much.

David, incensed and irate, is in battle-ready swagger and his reaction and boasting is overheard. David's zealous retort reaches the ears and attention of King Saul. David stands before King Saul and testifies that GOD, who has delivered him from the lion and bear, will also deliver the Philistine giant into his hands.

The tension mounts as I continue reading how David stood before the giant with a staff and a few stones. As Goliath approaches David goes out to meet the giant readily. David has declared to Goliath that GOD will give him victory. David slings the stone. The stone sinks deep into the forehead of Goliath. The giant doesn’t merely sway dizzily at the pain or dismay of the blow. The giant falls face down in the dirt, unconscious, and oblivious. David takes Goliath’s sword and severs his head. This is both defeat and shame for all the Philistine army. GOD has given Israel victory!

As my mind surveys the battlefield of my life’s issues I know I need intervention from GOD. My needs and prayers call out for the defeat of my foes and the safety of GOD’s personal care. My enemy is not a towering mastodon of a man with teeth barred and an evil grimace. My enemy is ‘as a lion’ roaming and roaring who is defeated because JESUS rose and ascended triumphantly. My Savior is the Almighty GOD who defends me as a fortified city. HE never sleeps. HE never naps or is distracted by world news or my life’s unplanned events. HE is the Almighty GOD, captain of Israel’s armies, and defender of my life. HE is personally my GOD, Sovereign LORD, and triumphant KING.

No arrow, sword, threat, or evil can stand against my GOD.

No lie, no foe, nor slight of man can stand against my GOD.

No weapon, word, or bullying taunt can stand against my GOD.

My GOD is the Almighty GOD and captain of heaven’s armies.

My GOD is undefeatable. My GOD is always victorious!

 

 

Take courage and stand before your foes knowing GOD is your victory.

 

 

Feel free to shine,

One Light

 

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