Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking him to meet you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
Now the Israelites had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy Israel. The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage and will exempt his family from taxes in Israel.” David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” They repeated to him what they had been saying and told him, “This is what will be done for the man who kills him.”
When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” “Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before.
What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him. David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.”
– 1 Samuel 17:25-32
Devotion
Perspective can make a big difference. Most of the Israelites only saw an unbeatable giant. David, however, saw a mortal man defying and challenging almighty God. David knew that he wouldn’t be alone when he faced Goliath because God would be there to fight with him. He looked at this situation from a much bigger perspective than his own, he saw it from God’s perspective. Taking time to view situations from God’s point of view can often help us to put giant issues in the proper perspective.
Criticism didn’t stop David. Even though the rest of the army was wandering around shaking in their boots, David knew the great importance of standing up and taking action. He knew God would fight with him so he didn’t need to hesitate. Too often, people try to discourage us with negativity, but God wants us to continue to do what we know is right. By doing what God wants us to do will please and honor Him, and His opinion is what really matters most in life.
The Big Question
How often do we simply react to situations without considering what God may think? How can we get to the point in our spiritual walk where God’s perspective is our perspective? Do you make decisions based on what others may think, especially when you know you can’t accomplish them alone? Can you remember a time when you really used your faith in God to make an important decision and He really showed up in ways you can’t explain? How can you step out in faith today?
Conclude in prayer and silence reflecting on what you’ve learned.