OUR INTERCEDING GOD

the story of David and Goliath

1 Samuel 17:26bB: ..”for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

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he story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) is a factual account from biblical history that demonstrates how the Lord intercedes for His people. David was a shepherd, the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse of Bethlehem. King Saul and his men were battling the Philistines, one of which was a 9-foot giant named Goliath. The men of Saul’s army were afraid of Goliath and there was no one to stand up to him. But David, filled with faith and a passion for God’s name which was being blasphemed by Goliath, slew Goliath with a stone and a sling. Then he cut off Goliath’s head with the giant’s own sword. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled before the Israelites, who had a great victory over them.

Stand out

An important point in this story is that Goliath was taunting the sovereign Lord of the universe. He was challenging God's people to stand up to him and demonstrate that their God was more powerful than he was. Until David came into the Israelite camp, there was no one who was willing to step out in faith and face the giant. However, David's faith was so strong that he was willing to believe that the Lord would go with him and enable him to defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17:36-37). David’s faith was born out of his experience of God’s grace and mercy in his life up to that point. The Lord had delivered him out of dangerous situations in the past, proving His power and trustworthiness, and David relied on Him to deliver him from the Philistine.

Enemy Tactics

Although Goliath (the enemy) used psychologist tactics like his size, well-protected amour, taunting and teasing, creating panic and fear in David and the Israelites, David was not moved and his faith was still deeply rooted in the Lord. Goliath also never stopped playing these tactics every morning and evening.

Sometimes in our life, our enemy never stops putting fear and panic in us. That is why we have been called to boldness and not timidity. Fear destroys the Christian faith, our shield, which is the first point of our defense in warfare. At times people you trust to encourage you or expect to be able to withstand the situation are defeated and these scenarios try to discourage you from winning the battle. The Israel army trained for battle under Saul were sore afraid that David would have been affected had he depended on the army or his brothers for courage.

Lessons

From the story of David and Goliath, we learn that the God we serve is capable of defeating any of the giants in our life—fear, depression, sickness, financial issues, doubts of faith—if we know Him and His nature well enough to step out in faith. When we do not know what the future holds, we have to trust Him. But we can’t trust someone we don’t know, so knowing God through His Word will build our faith in Him.

As Christians who have trusted Christ as the only way to heaven (John 14:6), our battle with the giants in our lives will result in victory if we cling by faith to God and His power. The illustration of David and Goliath is only one of many examples of the supernatural power of our Lord. He cares deeply for His children and wants only our best. Sometimes that involves trials and battles, but these are ultimately for our good and His glory. James tells us to consider it pure joy when we encounter trials because they test our faith and develop patience and perseverance. When we are tested by these trials, we can stand up against any giant that comes to defeat us.

Amen!