For the last three days we have been looking at the story of David and Goliath making some observations about the encounter that we can share with our kids to better prepare them to face the challenges they will face in this world.
In 1 Samuel 17:41 – 49 David has run the gauntlet of derision by his older brother, disdain of the king, and being outfitted with armor that did not fit. He is now in front of his adversary. Note the contrast in David and Goliath’s approach to the battle:
The contrast is striking. The key here, in my mind, is even though David had experience in dealing with difficult situations, he did not rely on that experience, other than that he knew that the Lord was faithful. His confidence then was not in the positive outcomes of his encounters with the bear and the lion, but rather in the Lord that enabled those encounters to succeed.
While that is a subtle difference it is a crucial one. When we move from trusting in the Lord to trusting in the outcomes the Lord has wrought. We move from worship to idolatry.
| Goliath’s Approach | David’s Approach |
| Disdain for David’s age | Stood up to the giant |
| Cursed David by his gods | Told Goliath he had taunted God |
| Relied on his great strength | Relied on God’s strength |
| Arrogant | Confident |
| Lost | Won |
The contrast is striking. The key here, in my mind, is even though David had experience in dealing with difficult situations, he did not rely on that experience, other than that he knew that the Lord was faithful. His confidence then was not in the positive outcomes of his encounters with the bear and the lion, but rather in the Lord that enabled those encounters to succeed.
While that is a subtle difference it is a crucial one. When we move from trusting in the Lord to trusting in the outcomes the Lord has wrought. We move from worship to idolatry.
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