Head in Hand: A New Perspective on David and Goliath

Don’t you love when Scripture comes to life in a new way . . . especially when you have read the story a thousand times?
While studying 1 Samuel 17 with a group of ladies in Jacksonville, the conversation “steered off ” into the discussion as to why David cut off Goliath’s head after striking him down. I mean, why the gross detail? A doctor in the house proceeded to tell us that David needed to make sure the giant was officially DEAD. And, I will say, cutting off a head will sure stop a pulse!
So I got to thinking.
The “giants” we face today come in many forms. They can be people, broken dreams, fear, anger, addiction, divorce, or disappointment. And how many times have we just “stunned” these giants, fully thinking defeat, but only coming to realize they have only been in a sub-conscience state. We, too, need PROOF. We need to make sure to “cut off their heads” . . . making sure they are DEAD. I know this is kind of morbid, but with head in hand, we can know our giant is defeated once and for all.
What is the PROOF that a giant is dead?

• For Jesus, it was the resurrection. The living PROOF that Christ conquered death and sin, rose from the grave, and witnessed to many.
• For David, it was remembering the past faithfulness of God. The living PROOF that God rescued him when fighting against the bear and lion. This proof of God’s grace gave him more determination to fight again for the Lord, against a larger giant.
• For Moses, it was watching fear be defeated and seeing the Red Sea part before his eyes. The living PROOF that God was leading them out of Egypt and was faithful to His promises.
• For Joseph, it was conquering hurt and anger as he witnessed his family again. The living PROOF that forgiveness covers the blame Joseph could have had for his brothers for selling him into slavery.
• For me, it’s conquering the unknown and stepping into ministry. The living PROOF that God is in control . . . through circumstances, words of encouragement, emails, and answered prayers.

 
And PROOF comes only from non-tradional weaponry. When we seek the Lord first, He gives us divine insight on which weapon to chose to fight our giants. Seeking God’s guidance is asking questions before you go into battle. It’s taking time, like David, to know the background, know the enemy, know the situation, and walk away from discouragement (1 Samuel 17:22-31). When we have “done our work” ~ God might select an overdose of love, compassion, patience, or forgiveness as our mighty weapon to sling into the face of our giants. Traditional weaponry of anger, jealousy, loose tongues, and bitterness will never win the battle. They might “stun” your giant for a while, but be cautioned, he will rise again. Choose God’s weapons of Galatians 5:22-23 ~ the fruit of the Spirit. And be patient, it might be a long fight until you are able to see the PROOF . . . but take heart, you can trust in God. Keep believing. Keep praying. God is behind you, guiding you, teaching you, empowering you to fight the GOOD fight and press on until you win the goal which Christ has set before you.
And this is the best part! When David was summoned by King Saul and was asked, “Who is your father?” ~ David had Golaith’s head in hand. PROOF of his defeat!

So the next time I am asked, “Annie, who is your Father?”
With confidence I will say, “HE is the Lord, the Savior, the Son of the Living God.
Do you need some PROOF?
Father, I pray for all of us today who need help to defeat our “giants.” We know all too well that the weapons of this world will not work. But Your weapons of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control have defeating power. Give us insight as to the giants we face. I pray we take the time to ask questions about the battle and turn away from discouraging comments. Allow us to choose our weapons of Your grace and give us the courage to use them wisely. Finally, I pray we can have the PROOF we need to see these giants fall at Your feet. And the next time someone asks us about our trials and difficult circumstances, we will not only proclaim that we are daughters of the King, but we will have PROOF of head in hand . . . displaying your awesome power! 
Amen.
1 Samuel 17: David and Goliath