The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of

my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

In the heart-stirring account of David and Goliath found in 1 Samuel 17, we are presented with a

vivid illustration of faith and divine providence that transcends the ages. 

The story of David and Goliath is set in a pivotal moment in the history of Israel. This period is

characterized by Israel's ongoing conflicts with the Philistines, one of the neighboring peoples

who were often at war with Israel. The Philistines were a significant threat due to their military

innovations and the strategic locations they controlled, which allowed them to oppress the

Israelites and challenge their attempts to consolidate their kingdom under a monarchical

system.

David, who was not a soldier but a shepherd boy at the time, was sent by his father Jesse to the

battlefield to bring provisions to his brothers who were with Saul's army and to check on their

welfare. Upon arriving, David hears Goliath's taunts and is astonished that no one has stepped

forward to challenge the Philistine.

Motivated by his faith and trust in God, David volunteers to fight Goliath. Saul reluctantly agrees

and attempts to equip David with his own armor, which David refuses, choosing instead to face

Goliath with his sling and five smooth stones he selects from a stream. 

David's faith in God, his skill as a slinger, and his courage culminate in his victory over Goliath,

striking the Philistine with a stone that sinks into his forehead, causing him to fall. David then

uses Goliath's own sword to behead him, securing a decisive victory for Israel and

demonstrating God's power and favor.

David, facing the towering Goliath, was not daunted by his size or the fearful odds. Instead, he

was filled with a divine confidence that bewilders many. In verse 37, David declares, "The Lord

who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from

the hand of this Philistine.” This statement is not born of naivety or foolish bravery but from a

deep-seated trust in God's power and faithfulness.

David's confidence was not in any human armor or strategy but in the Lord Almighty. He knew

that the battle was not his to fight but God's. This perspective allowed him to face a seemingly

insurmountable challenge with peace and assurance.

Where does your confidence lie when you face the "giants" in your life? Consider the challenges

you are facing right now. Are you relying on your own strength and wisdom, or are you placing

your trust in God's power?

By Jim Connell

Jim is the retired founder of Lexington Rescue Mission and creator of FAQs of Faith mobile app

(https://faithanswerspress.net/faqs-of-faith-app/)