*GOD-Confidence*

Most of us are familiar with the story of David and Goliath. The small, young boy who defeats the giant with a sling and a rock. It’s one I’ve heard since I was a kid, but as I search the scriptures as an adult, I get so much more from these truths than simple entertainment. When we get down to the nitty gritty of scripture and stories from the Bible, the intent is to be able to learn from them and apply it to our lives as we walk with Christ. And that’s just what we have going on here today. Let’s dig a little deeper. Are you ready?! [The entire 1 Samuel 16 and 17 (and beyond) are worth the read and study, but for time’s and purpose’s sake, I’ll highlight key points from scripture.]

David (to the Israelite army):

"...for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26)

"And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee." (1 Samuel 17:32-37)

"Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:45-47)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord." (Psalm 27:1-6)

What these pivotal moments reflect are David’s strong…unfeigned FAITH in THE almighty God! [“THE” because there is ONE LORD! Deuteronomy 6:4] Wow. That’s powerful, Church. Such faith! Thank you, Jesus! We talk about having faith, but do we really express it…do we truly believe it…God when it really matters?! Ohh, help us, Lord!

“But without faith it is impossible to please him:” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith isn’t only a thought or expression when things are going “good”; it’s a lifestyle that stands and reigns supreme even through the bad because of the God we serve. Ohh, Lord, help us to always remember you. Because see, having true faith, we know that God can and will work even the bad for our good…for the good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). So, we have to ensure we love Him, right? With all our heart, all our soul, all our might (Deuteronomy 6:5).

Lord, you don’t owe me a thing, but I’m grateful that you are and that you do everything. Jesus, please help me to love you and help my faith! Father, I believe; please, help thou my unbelief. No matter how circumstances are and no matter how things seem - you, God, never cease at being good. Help me, Master, to always remember that…to remember you. Lord, you’re worth my trust. You’re worth my love and deepest affection. You are worth me. I thank you, Father, for who you are. Please forgive me for limiting you through the constraints of my mind. For, Lord, you are great! I’m everso grateful that your thoughts are higher than my thoughts and so are your ways…though I tend to forget it at times. I apologize for my faulty thinking and reasoning. But I sure do love you beyond it because of whom and how you are. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me first and for loving me best. God, you are a good, good Father, and I appreciate you. With all my love - in your wonderful and mighty name, Jesus. Amen.

In order for our faith to work, we’ve got to make sure we’re putting it in the right thing or moreso the right ONE. FAITH IN GOD is what’ll make the difference because God is the difference. Let’s make sure He knows it <3

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:22-24)