What is your giant in 2009? How can you make your giant into a dwarf?

We discussed David’s response to his giant-Goliath:

1. He relied on his past.

• Tool chest: God gives each of us a unique set of tools/gifts that we must use.  David’s tools was his ability to fight lions and bears.  With this unique skill, he was able to face his giant with confidence.
• God’s faithfulness: I know of some friends who keep a diary/journal logging all of God’s faithfulness in the peaks and pits of life so that they can look back on know that God is faithful.

2. He trusted God for his future.  David fought his giant by trusting in God for the future.

3. Living in the present.  

• my giant is FEAR.  I fear the future.
• I can make my giant into a dwarf by living in His presence, trusting in God’s plan for the future, and praising God’s past faithfulness.

“But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.” And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine ” And Saul said to David, “Go, and may the LORD be with you.” Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” And David took them off. He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.”-1 Samuel 17:34-40

Insights from Dave:

Last Wednesday Bucky presented us with Psalm 20 and it’s “prequel,” the story of David and Goliath.  Before going further please take a few moments and read both in that order.  

What we learned was Psalm 20 was a prayer David prayed as an intercessory prayer over his army before battle.  In this prayer, David tells his army some “May God” items:
  
May the Lord answer…
May he send you help…
May he remember…
May he give you the desire…

Then, David tells his army that he knows the Lord saves his anointed and that they need to trust in the Lord, not in chariots and horses.  David knew God wasn’t in the background but on the frontlines with him and his men.

How did David know these things? That is where the story of David and Goliath comes in.  Couldn’t you say that David knew from experience that the Lord saves his anointed?  There is so much to write about this story; like how the Lord was preparing David for that day through his sheparding of sheep (David was a “professional” with that slingshot), and how all of the Israelites judged Goliath by his outward appearance (Goliath was a giant); they didn’t realize God looks at the heart.  David’s heart was in the right place because he had a relationship with God.  His psalms are proof that David kept a journal and talked with God daily; David knew God was with him.  When he decided to take on Goliath he wasn’t doing something careless.  I believe he talked with God about it first; he prayed, meditated and listened for God’s voice.
 

Our discussion focused on two things – victories and giants.  What victories has God given you in the past?  What giants are you facing in the New Year?  Take a few minutes and write down your thoughts on these two questions.  If you have a journal you may want to record them there.  Around our table, most folks talked about the economy as one of their giants.  But, we were fortunate to have Patrick at our table; I like how God speaks to Patrick (and am thankful Patrick is listening for God’s voice).  Patrick said God is probably smiling about our down economy because more people turn to God in tough times.  So, financially, it may not be good for our nation, but in terms of salvation, it could be a booming time for God.  This line has had me thinking the last few days.  I thought, if I am thinking and worrying about the economy, I am selfishly thinking of myself and not the things of God; my trust is in horses and chariots and not in God.  God takes care of His anointed – I need to put my focus on Him, not me; God has me covered.