This article was first published in the Kingsport Times News in July 2024. As a side note, I had taken a hiatus from writing for our local paper near the end of 2022 because I just didn't have the bandwidth for it. But, it was recently something I felt prompted to pick back up. And I'm glad I did. I've got a brief editorial comment at the end of this that I could not include due to word count...but I think it's well worth considering.
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David and Goliath… It’s the classic tale of good and evil, faith and fear. On one hand, you have the scrappy, undersized, audacious David, unknown and unlooked for. He had promise, potential, and anointing as a future king. But the Israelite army at Elah hadn’t heard that and probably wouldn’t have believed it even if they had.
On the other hand, you have Goliath, Philistine Champion from Gath. He was every bit the warrior and hero people expected. In stature and fame, he was a giant. In a miraculous turn of events, David kills Goliath with a sling and a stone. Taking Goliath’s sword, he removes the giant’s head and the assembled armies disperse.
Most of us are familiar with that story. Some of you will know that David goes on to service in the court of King Saul. Eventually his fame and promise run afoul of the King who, in fear and anger, seeks to kill David thereby eliminating a rival to his throne. David goes on the run taking with him a band of outlaws. He has no food and no weapons. He has few friends (though the ones he has are fiercely loyal).
Feeling betrayed, tired, and desperate, he goes to the Tabernacle and meets Ahimelech the priest. In an unprecedented move (and clearly sensing the great need), the priest gives David and his men the “Bread of the Presence” from the Tabernacle. But wait! There’s more…
“Don’t you have a sword or spear here?” asked David.
“The only sword we’ve got is the Sword of Goliath the Philistine whom you slew in the Valley of Elah,” replied the priest.
David said, “There’s none like it; give it to me.”
Whatever else is going on here, there’s one clear application for today. The sword of Goliath was more than just a sword. It was a reminder of triumph and victory in David’s life. It was a reminder of a time when the Battle belonged to the Lord and God came through. And here, at a point in David’s life where things looked pretty bleak, he needed that tangible reminder.
Was there a moment in your life where things looked bleak and God came through? Maybe you feel a bit like David in the wilderness today. Or maybe not. But odds are good, you will at some point. So, what might it look like to go back to your “sword of Goliath”? What might it do to think back on what God has done and how he’s come through in your life? It’s my prayer that this encourages you to remember God’s faithfulness today.
*This is the extra bit that I didn't get to include in the original...but I find it fascinating that in the narrative, David doesn't go looking for the sword. He's looking for a sword, sure. But not that sword. It's just God's kindness, wisdom, providence, and timing that brings it back into David's life at this specific time. I think one of the enduring lessons here is that if you find yourself in tough season and in need of encouragement, the Lord will often return your proverbial sword of Goliath at just the right time. For example, I've been in a wilderness season myself through the midst of my transition from my previous job into this new venture of coaching, writing, speaking, and leading a new church community. Recently I came across an email my Dad had written me almost 15 years ago that was such an encouragement for my current circumstances. Or, similarly, I came across an award I received from an Army school in 2018. I was struggling with even going to the course, but a good friend (shoutout to Mike!) encouraged me to shift my perspective and focus on building and encouraging the people around me. It changed everything for me during that 6-week course and, in many ways, helped shape my current career.
So, what about you? I'd love to hear your stories. Comment or message me here. Make a great day!
Awesome.
Enjoyed this and, like Walter Cronkite in the 70s, it is good to get the rest of the story. This is also an important life lesson for me and the story of David is very significant. We should all think about what our “sword of David” would be. God will certainly make sure that we know it when we see it. It is an extreme blessing to have you writing like this again.