1 Samuel 17:37, 45-46: "The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine. ... David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty ... whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands.'"
Did you know that researchers found the first "Yo Mama" joke on a stone tablet dating back 3,500 years to the ancient Babylonians? Shakespeare himself penned the most widely published mom joke in history! And since the 1990s, maternal insults are forever memorialized on TV, in music videos, movies, and now memes. Why are they offensive? Because they target those who brought us into this life!
Similarly, but for a far greater purpose, David took umbrage when he heard Goliath mocking the Creator of life. He refused to stand back while this godless giant trash-talked the name of God. Therefore, with great courage, he said, "I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty!" You see, coming in the name of the Almighty means to act with His power, presence, and authority. David's passion for God outweighed his fear; thus, he stepped forward in faith to do what others were too afraid to do.
David had three character qualities that helped lead him to victory. First, he had a tremendous spiritual perspective. The Israelites saw Goliath from a human perspective, but David didn't. He knew no mortal could match God's power.
He also had great practical faith. He hadn't just killed a lion and bear to defend himself - he pursued them to rescue his sheep. Thus, he said, "Goliath, lion, or bear, I don't care!" Why? Because God's deliverance in the past is an assurance of His deliverance in the future.
And finally, he was more focused on God's glory than his own victory. He didn't fight the 9'9'ft Behemoth to become a national hero - he did it to display God's sovereignty. So, the next time you're facing some seemingly insurmountable giant, realize that what God did for David He's also willing to do for you!
Be inspired by David's faith, courage, and passion for God by reading I Samuel 17:1-54. Then, journal what stands out to you for future reference.
Heavenly Father, Today I seek to bring glory to Your name. Help me to pursue Your will before my own, and to not grow complacent in doing what's right. I praise You in Jesus' name, Amen.