Defeating the Goliath in your Marriage!
There is a story in the bible that we are all too familiar with because we have heard it in the church over and over. It is very familiar to the extent that it has become like a mere bedtime story. The worst thing about knowledge is, to be fully aware of something but not taking action. It is detrimental to ourselves and society to gain an understanding but incapable of taking the awareness we have and bringing change to our circumstances.
As I read the scripture 1 Samuel 17, and as the story of David and Goliath is been narrated, I can clearly remember years of Sunday school lessons, songs, etc.. where we were taught this part of the bible over and over.
However, as we were told of the triumphant victory of David, the excitement and joy that filled my hearts remained with the knowledge of this story. Lessons learned were that; David was courageous, brave, daring, and confident of His God. He faced a great warrior and defeated him, Good job David!
Is that the moral of the story though??? I sit here just full of excitement of victory and also rage against the demise of the enemy. As I read the scriptures, I can clearly attribute Goliath to the enemy. He possessed all the characteristics of the enemy: pride, he came against the Children of Isreal(Children of God), taunted them morning & evening for 40 days. This scripture below will help us to see the similarities between the enemy and Goliath.
1 Peter 5:8, NIV: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
In 1 Samuel 17:26
Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes the disgrace [of his taunting] from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he has taunted and defied the armies of the living God?”
I love how when David came to the knowledge of Goliath taunting and defiling the armies of the living God( awareness), He asked questions to get more information to stop the enemy(Goliath). This is the reality we are facing today, we are fully aware of the works of the enemy, and we are taunted day and night yet we are not taking the actions needed to stop it, as Christians.
As Christians, we are not doing anything about it because of fear, worry, anxiety, shame, depression, oppression, etc. We are literally incapacitated and just helpless due to the fact that we “Know of God” but we do not really personally “Know who He is”? How you get to know your God is through a relationship with Him.
The boldness that David had was not a bluff or pride “ He was all too well knowledgable of the God he served”.
1 Samuel 17: 28 David's older brother Eliab tried to shut him up or call off his bluff. He literally tried to send him back to take care of his sheep( basically saying this is not your place, stay in your lane).
David “respectfully” addressed him,(when we are dismissed by people we don’t have to be rude but polite in our convictions)and then continue to pursue the questions he asked due to the confidence he had in God. The enemy is all too well afraid of a Christian who doesn't only know the word but is able to put the word into action. I know my Father, but it is another thing when I know fully well the advantage and access that His name gives me and use it to gain favor or overcome any obstacle I encounter.
1 Samuel 17: 32 And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
David continues to plead his case with the conviction that he had about his God. Verse 33 Saul explains the reasons why David cannot go against Goliath. Verse 34–37 David opposes and explains “his skill set, experience, and qualification with giving God the glory in the process”. How often do we do this?
In Verse 38 Saul out of compassion offered David an armor (Often our good intended friends & family will show up and give us; advice based on their perception, direction, or recommends someone or something to help “AKA Heavy armor”).
Surely, no matter what they say or the advice given, you feel the heaviness like how this armor-David was given felt. The question is “ Are you going to go with man's protection or God’s? Man’s protection always is heavy, stressfully, limited yet tempting, etc.
God’s way usually seems complicated but simple obedience is all it takes, unfamiliar, unusual, might seem limited resource but usually, when you step in the direction God is leading you in confidence, He backs you up by showing forth His favor, grace, mercy, and faithfulness. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
How does this pertain to our marriages?? How can we apply David’s approach to our situation?
I will post part 2 of this with those details. Thank you
