Daily Devotionals

David Versus Goliath

Posted in Fear/Anxiety

Scripture: “A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened.” – John 6:18-19

This week I witnessed a battle in my backyard. A Cooper’s Hawk, which weighs about 1.2 pounds (wingspan 29-35”), was sitting on the roof while a pair of Mockingbirds, weighing in at 1.2 ounces (wingspan 12-15”), were encouraging the Hawk to leave their territory. The Mockingbirds were like David, and the Hawk was like Goliath.

As we read in 1 Samuel 17, the boy David was not fearful when against the giant Goliath, because David abided in God– the one who is master over every circumstance.

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear,”* writes Mark Twain.

The only way to master fear is to abide in the one who is master over every circumstance.

I do not know the mind of a Mockingbird, but I witnessed their bravery and determination to not be afraid of another bird that is much larger and stronger.

Likewise, I would encourage us as humans to not be fearful in the trials and tribulations of our lives. We all have our “Goliaths” and “Cooper’s Hawks” that confront us every day.

Oswald Chambers says, “God’s purpose is to enable me to see that he can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious.”**

Notice what Jesus said to his disciples when they saw him walking on the water: “It is I; do not be afraid” (John 6:20).  Keep that truth in mind the next time you do battle with your “Goliath.”

Prayer: Precious Lord Jesus, please make me mindful of your constant and unchanging presence in my life. When I falter, encourage me with the reminder that your love for me will allow me to withstand the storms in my life. Amen and amen.

Submitted by Starr Lawson
*Twain, Mark, The Century Magazine, 1893.
**Chambers, Oswald, My Utmost For His Highest.