We left David playing soothing tunes for King Saul’s troubled soul. (Last week’s blog.) David didn’t stay at the palace, however, he went back and forth from shepherding in the hills to playing in the palace only on occasion, because Saul was often out leading a battle.

David’s three older brothers were away in one of these battles. Jesse, David’s father, worried about the sons and told David to take grain, bread, and cheese to his brothers and see how things were going.

David follows his father’s directions and off he goes to the Valley of Elah. He finds the Israelite army cowering on one side of the valley and the Philistine army on the other side. David chats with the soldiers and discovers that one very large Philistine has been in the valley, shouting challenges to Saul’s army.

David asks, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” I Samuel 17:6

While the experienced soldiers shudder at the daily challenge from this giant of a man, David is asking, “Who dares to defy God?” 

Meanwhile, the angry, jealous brothers find David. (Remember, they were not chosen by Samuel to be anointed as the next king.) The oldest brother plows into him.  

“Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is: you came down only to watch the battle.”

“Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” I Samuel 17:28-29

Kind of reminds me of Joseph’s brothers. Well, word gets back to Saul about what David has said and Saul calls him in. David declares,

“Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” I Samuel 17:32

Saul protests that David is only a boy and this Philistine has been a fighting man for a long time, not to mention his tremendous height!

David assures Saul that he has killed a bear and a lion to save his sheep and this Philistine will be like one of them because he has defied the living God. And so we have the reason David has no fear.

“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” I Samuel 17:37

David has learned to trust God. He has seen God at work in His life and trusts that He will provide again—a great example for us.

Every third Sunday, I teach our Sunday School class. There are times I wonder how it will go, then I lean on the Lord for guidance and to give me words. I’ve seen Him do it over and over again, which lessens the fear of failure. How does the Lord prepare you so you can trust Him with your fears?

~ Joyce ~