THE WORD FOR THIS WEEK IS: “Almighty”.
The thought for this week is: The Lord Almighty can conquer the giants of life.
What are some of the giants that you have seen in other people’s life? Perhaps it is an intimidating spouse, a relentless boss, overwhelming circumstances or even addictive behaviors that seem to take control of their lives. How did those people handle the powerful forces? Stand and fight? Run and hide? Live in denial? Now ask yourself, what are the giants in your life? How have you tried to handle them? How successful were you in handling them yourself?
David learned as a young man to face enemies with courage and with trust in God. When the lion and the bear threatened his flock, he went after them and made sure they would not harm the flock again. In I Samuel 17:1-51, we learn that David would again need to trust in God with courage against a giant Philistine. As you read, note the detail that is conveyed about this enemy. Why do you think we are given such detail? Could it be that it enables us to understand the need to have courage and trust in a mighty God especially in the face of great enemies. Also, as you read, note how Saul tried to handle the problem verses how David solved the problem.
Now considering those giants in your life, ask yourself, is your attitude more like David’s (v. 37) or more like Saul’s (v. 11)? What fears do you struggle with when you turn and face the enemy that defies God and seeks to defeat you? How would those fears change if you were fully confident that God was on your side?
Knowing how the story ends, we understand that there would be a larger purpose of the battle for Israel and for the world. It is therefore easy to conclude that there are larger purposes for the battles that we face. What specifically do you need God to supply in your battle with life’s giants and what will you bring to the battle? As you consider some of the “Goliath” issues in our culture and in your life, issues that defy God and taunt his people, conclude by reading Psalm 66:1-7 as an encouraging conclusion to the study.
Pray through the following Scripture and strive to memorize Psalm 66:3, “Say to God, How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.”
Prayer: O Lord our Lord, how blessed is you Holy Name. You are an awesome God and we marvel at your mighty deeds. We call upon you to bring your power into the difficult situations we face. Help us to turn and face the enemy in power of the Lord Almighty. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
by Rory Barneche