“The Philistine started walking toward David, with his shield bearer walking in front of him. He kept coming closer, and when he got a good look at David, he was filled with scorn for him because he was just a nice, good-looking boy. He said to David, “What’s that stick for? Do you think I’m a dog?” And he called down curses from his god on David. “Come on,” he challenged David, “and I will give your body to the birds and animals to eat.” David answered, “You are coming against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the Israelite armies, which you have defied. This very day the Lord will put you in my power; I will defeat you and cut off your head. And I will give the bodies of the Philistine soldiers to the birds and animals to eat. Then the whole world will know that Israel has a God, and everyone here will see that the Lord does not need swords or spears to save his people. He is victorious in battle, and he will put all of you in our power.” (I Samuel 17: 41-47 The Good News Translation)
There is a lot that we could deal with from the passage above. For instance, we could focus on small means, but great results through faith. We could emphasize the need to go into a meeting of any kind or readying self to perform a duty with active faith in God as a mandatory requirement. We could even drive home the point that you are stronger than you look to the unbelievers. Of course, we could draw a comparison with calling on a god and calling on The God. Oh, there is far more in these few verses. But today, I just want to focus on this topic, “Have The Confidence Of David.”
David faced a big obstacle name Goliath. But look at the confidence of David, found in the opening passage. “…but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty…”
We know who David was facing, but what are you facing? Are you facing a big problem? Well, have the confidence of David! Facing an obstacle that has others trembling in fear, but you want to conquer the obstacle by faith? Have the confidence of David! Are you facing the critical, but unavoidable changes that come with aging? I say unto you, “Deal with them gracefully! It happens to all of us.” Furthermore, I would have, “Have the confidence of David.’
You may be facing the anxiety or grief that comes with the loss of a loved one or you may be facing the fight to keep the faith as you see the deterioration of one of your elder family members or older friends. My comforting words for you, from the word of God, “Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.” And let me add to your strengthening during your specific struggling time, “Have the confidence of David!” It will be alright. Better is always ahead for the believer.
Whatever the obstacle is that’s in your way, do the following: Remember, God is on your side! Remember, you can stand on His promises! Remember, God is a very present help in times of trouble! Remember, circumstances may change, but God never changes, and God never fails! Remember you come against whatever you are facing in the name of the Lord Almighty. Remember, it is true, you are not in anything you face alone. Remember to rally in the cry, “I can make it! As a matter of fact I will come out on top!”
Take this personal, specifically for you. But note that this is applicable to all of us. God’s purpose today is to ready us to face our battles against obstacles in this life, and to equip us by reminding us to have the confidence of David! Be blessed!
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will be quiet in His love. He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. (Zephaniah 3:17 New American Standard Bible)
Mark L. King