Facing Giants

“David said to the Philistine: ‘You come against me with a dagger, spear, and sword, but I come against you in the name of Yahweh of Hosts, the God of Israel’s armies.’” (1 Samuel 17:45 HCSB)

God revealed Himself by the name Jehovah Sabaoth (se ba’ôt) when Israel needed His help to fight against the Philistines. King Saul’s army had been taunted for 40 days by the giant Goliath. No one was willing to fight him until David came along. He wasn’t a soldier; he was a young boy, bringing his brothers food.

When David saw what was happening, he told King Saul he would fight the Philistine, and he did. He stepped out in the name of the Lord of Hosts and hurled a stone with his slingshot, and Goliath fell. David then used Goliath’s sword to kill him. David did what he could with what he had, but it was the Lord of Hosts who defeated the giant.

How was he so courageous in the face of this very large and scary enemy? David was confident because he walked with God. He had already seen God deliver him from a lion and a bear. It’s a lesson for us – when we walk closely with God, He will help us take on our problems that could easily scare and overwhelm us. We can have confidence, like David, that God will give us victory when we are in the midst of a battle.

As we pray for ourselves or our loved ones when they face their own giants, we should note that David gave the glory to God. He declared the battle was the Lord’s so that “the world will know that Israel has a God” (v. 46).

Let our prayers be that whatever happens, God will get the glory. We call on the Lord of Hosts, not only for His victory but also for His will to be done to serve His kingdom. We call on Him so that a watching world will see our problems and His victory and know that we serve a mighty God.

David’s life was important to God not only in the moment but also because he was important to God’s plan to save His people. He was a part of God’s plan for the world. So are you—God has a special plan for your life! You are not alone and powerless against the giants in your life. You aren’t alone in the battle! Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, the God of Heaven’s armies is with you!