Goliath and the Third Voice

Have you ever thought about David and Goliath beyond the typical Sunday school lesson? How does that account apply to us today?

Some of us face situations that feel as big and boisterous as a threatening giant. Sometimes, threats to our peace come from well-meaning people around us, even family. Sorting it all out can be exhausting. Let's see what we can learn by examining the three voices heard in this story.

A little background:

Goliath, a giant warrior from the Philistine camp, challenged the Israelites. Standing over nine feet tall in heavy armor, Goliath struck terror into the hearts of the Israelite soldiers. For forty days, he taunted them, demanding they send out a champion to fight him. The stakes were high. Whoever won would become the victor's slave.

The first voice: Goliath

Goliath's tactic was to instill fear. If he could instill fear in the Israelites, he would gain the upper hand. Fear torments our souls. It gets us off track and clouds our thinking. Even though I've walked with the Lord for over fifty years, I know and trust Him. But the fear that accompanies a cancer diagnosis is unlike any I've ever faced. I had to learn to silence the voice of fear. These men were God’s chosen people, yet they were allowing an uncircumcised Philistine to defy the armies of the living God.

If we let it, anything we hear repeatedly will shape what we believe. That's why we meditate on God's Word. It's important to recognize that the enemy uses the same tactic. The media uses repeated reporting to shape what we believe and what we buy. If we're not careful, we can let computer-science algorithms shape our decisions and what we believe to be true.

After a tough appointment at the oncologist, the Lord spoke to me so clearly. He said, "Listen to My heartbeat"... When I got home, I felt inspired to start working on a new song. It's called: Listen to MY heartbeat."

His heartbeat is steady and peaceful. There's no fear. I may not always know which direction to go, but if I hide beneath His wing, He will carry me all the way.

(You can listen to my new song; just click on the link, and it will take you to Spotify. You don't need a membership to listen. It's free.)

The second voice: David's Brothers

David arrived at the camp with the supplies his father sent. He gave them to the supply keeper and went to greet his brothers. David overheard Goliath's taunts and watched the men of Israel flee, “dreadfully” afraid.  In every setting, Goliath’s words signal an encounter with a force so weighty that the human heart instinctively trembles. Yes, fear has torment.

His brothers grew angry with David! “Why did you come down here? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart…” (2 Samuel 17:28-33) Even Saul told David, “You are not able to fight with him; for you are but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”

Even well-meaning people can cause confusion. It’s not easy to quiet our hearts to hear the Lord's voice when all these other voices scream for our attention.

The third voice: David

One morning, the Lord drew my attention to the third voice. It was David’s.

David’s faith and perspective differed greatly from those of the seasoned warriors around him. They saw an insurmountable obstacle, while David saw an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness.

David’s reference to Goliath as an “uncircumcised Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:26) was more than an insult. It reminds us of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Goliath was outside this covenant and therefore outside the divine protection and favor that Israel enjoyed.

I can list my obstacles, or I can list my blessings. The minute my faith rises above the enemy’s taunts and the voice of misguided people, the atmosphere changes. I don’t think we realize how powerful our voices become when they’re filled with the Truth. Fear has to go. Clarity comes.

This is the question I ask you: What, or who, is shouting at you?

David defended himself against the threats by declaring what he knew to be true. He drew on the tools he’d been given in those times in green pastures and still waters. Because he knew his God and the power of His covenant, David had the courage and confidence to face Goliath. trained in duri

Five smooth stones:

The number five represents grace and favor.  That’s no coincidence. That’s what this story is all about. David used five smooth stones to bring down the enemy.

What are your five smooth stones? Have you ever asked God for promises specific to your situation that will bring down what's shouting at you?

Here are five smooth stones that I use:

1.     God is with me: Fear dissipates when we see we are not alone.

2.     God is directing me: He knows the way.

3.     God is providing all I need: His resources are limitless.  

4.     God is faithful: He keeps His promises.

5.     God fights for me: There is no giant bigger than God.

Consider what I’m saying. David shouted the Truth. He raised his voice. He didn't just think it. He shouted the truth over all the other voices, and a great victory was won.

God bless you, Covenant Warriors,

Love Marji