“Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me.” (Psalm 59:1)
The inspiration for this devotional message came to me after reading Eugene Peterson’s, Leap Over a Wall: Earthy Spirituality for Everyday Christiansreflections on the Life of David from. The ESV translation of the above Psalm adds perspective.
“. . .O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me.”
I was reminded, returning to 1 Samuel 17, how well known Bible accounts can bring new insights if I look for them.
Here is a recap:
Saul and his troops had been bullied for forty days by the Philistine giant, Goliath. His imposing figure, armor, and arrogant confidence had them stymied in fear even though they were large in numbers and well trained for battle.
David, Jesse’s youngest son, temporarily left his sheep tending to go to this battlefield. He brought food provisions and wanted to check on his three older brothers serving there with Saul.
David heard the insults being hurled at the Israelites. His immediate response was, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (v. 26b)
Fearless, mocked by the others present, climbing out of Saul’s armor which Saul offered to him but in which he could not move. David was confident to face Goliath. Why? How? Saul and his troops were shaking in their boots.
David never questioned that God would deliver Goliath into his hands. Five smooth stones and a sling shot were his natural armor. The deeper protective armor was his trust in his God who had consistently delivered him from dangers in his past. God dominated David’s view.
As each of us faces our challenges in body and soul, mind and spirt, what are the Goliaths that come to taunt us? Whoever or whatever comes to bully us, the battlefield needs to be covered with our confidence in the faithfulness of the One who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He is our armor.
We have stones smoothed by God’s living water. We exchange the roughened stones, bound by our fears, for His trust, faithfulness, love, and sovereignty in all circumstances.
Prayer: Lord, when impossible situations loom up in my life, help me to have your gigantic and loving perspective. You, the One who is greater in me than anything in the world, will bring my triumph. Amen.
About the Author:
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 30 years of living with daily physical challenges.
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What fear looms largest in your life at this time? How can the courage and confidence that David had, be of inspiration to you? What word would your write on a ‘stone” to hurl at the enemy?
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