And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. (1 Samuel 17:10-11)
THINK ABOUT THIS
The Bible tells us Goliath was dressed in bronze armor. We can imagine that polished brass as it glistened in the sunlight. He must have been an awesome sight. He was lifting his big fists like hams to the heavens and cursing God. He was blaspheming God and defying the armies of Israel. He said, in effect, “You cowards! You weaklings! You miserable people! Send somebody over here to fight me, just one man. Winner takes all. If he defeats me, we’ll lay down our arms and surrender. But if I take him, the battle is ours, winner takes all.” David heard this and wondered, “Why doesn’t somebody go over and put that guy to sleep?” But no one was going, not even big King Saul.
The Israelites were looking at the situation from a human perspective. They saw the size of Goliath and their smallness compared to him and decided the situation was impossible. Who could fight him? But David looked at him and thought, “Look how much smaller he is compared to God.” So, David decided he would go, armed in the power of Almighty God.
When do you have trouble seeing the world with God’s perspective instead of human perspective? How might the story of David and Goliath remind you to look at the trials in your life from God’s view and not your own?
APPLY THIS TODAY
Take time to journal about a current struggle in your life. Write out two lists: one detailing the problem from your perspective and a second imagining the way God sees your situation and you as His child in that situation.