We are in the midst of a political crisis. Democracy is being challenged. No matter on what side of the political fence you sit, you must feel something of the heaviness of battle – one side insisting that victory has been stolen, cheated, and the other side insisting that victory has clearly been established. One has to wonder how the next few weeks will play out.
I’m reminded of the story of David and Goliath. Often times in Sunday School we are encouraged to be “like David” – strong and courageous. In reality we are more like the Israelites cowering in fear. David pictures Jesus … not us. Jesus conquers the giant!
Who or what is your giant today?
Warring Philistines, gathering forces on the hill
Goliath, their vocal giant, flaunting his prowess
Armies of Israel, dismayed, fearful, cowering
Soldiers, backing up from the words of the enemy
But the boy, the boy believed in the almighty God
Knew his God by His name, by faith and experience
Knew the giant would not be silenced by might alone
The boy put off human armor, put on God’s armor …
Five humble stones, yes, but weighty boulders in God’s hands –
A simple sling, yes, but a trebuchet in God’s hands –
Boyish confidence, yes, but victory in God’s hands –
Who is your giant? In what God do you trust today?
God, Creator and Redeemer, the Lord is his name
By your faith and his hands your victory is secured!
~ Original, 2009
Apart from the BIG ideas of victory … what does victory look like in daily life?
Letting go of worry –
Maintaining a calm presence –
Calling God to mind many times in a day –
Meeting personal goals –
Resting in faith –
Loving family & friends well –
Finding ways to show kindness to others –
Confessing, forgiving, restoring quickly –
And what to do when victory is elusive? STOP … and count your blessings!
Gratitude is the path to victory!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
from Psalm 118
his love endures forever. …
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in humans.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes. …
The Lord is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation. …
You are my God, and I will praise you;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
