Posted by Phaik May Ng • Jun 26, 2021
Our Best Thought is a weekly devotional thoughtfully penned by leaders in DUMC arising from their daily devotions. The devotional’s title, “Our Best Thought” is taken from the hymn, “Be Thou My Vision” as a reference to God: “Thou my best thought, by day or by night.” Publishes on Sundays.
Scripture:
But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a saber, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I will strike you and remove your head from you. Then I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that this entire assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will hand you over to us!”
1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NIV)
Observation:
Goliath stood before the Philistines, taunting the Israelites to challenge him. King Saul offered a bargain of riches and his daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone who would defeat the giant. David, a shepherd boy at that time, took up the challenge.
David discarded Saul’s ill-fitting armour and opted for five pebbles and a sling as his weapon of choice.
All odds were stacked against David, as he lacked physical strength and experience compared to Goliath. However, his courage and faith were fortified in God’s strength and past faithfulness.
As he invoked the name of God, David declared it would be God who will bring a glorious win to the battle.
Application:
Many times, I have felt that the difficulties I face are gargantuan and insurmountable, especially when they come concurrently in varied directions unexpectedly. I would feel overwhelmed, inadequate, helpless, shameful and paralysed with fear as if defeat has already overcome me, even before the battle has begun. But God has the final say.
Who I trust in, matters. I may have the best wisdom man can offer, but human wisdom is foolishness to God. David had faith, was bold and courageous. He had an intimate relationship with God and this made him cling to God in faith and trust. The God that David trusted is my God too. God is willing and able to defeat any giant, and He has made a way for these giants to fall.
At the cross, Jesus has already defeated them all. He has also nailed our guilt and shame and gave us new life. I can be at rest knowing that I have nothing to fear, that no giant I face will ever be greater than the giants that have already been vanquished. It brings tranquility to my soul, and stills the storm in me when the Holy Spirit reminds me of the many times that God came to my rescue and I emerge unscathed.
While God may not be the cause of my present challenges, I know that God will use all things for my good and for His glory. Remembering that Jesus is victorious gives me great courage to step out in faith and assurance that He is always holding me in the palm of His hands.
Response:
Heavenly Father, You are Lord God Almighty. I repent of the times and ways when I worry and fear, as if I do not have a Heavenly Father Who cares, defends and watches over me.
When I am faithless, You are faithful. Please forgive me of the times when I was prideful and went forth in my own strength, when the battles are actually Yours. If You are for me, who can be against me? Help me surrender all my struggles to You.
Help me to look towards You in humble reliance and faithful obedience. All my hope is in You, Lord. Thank You for Your unfailing love that You are my help and my salvation, and You turn my sorrows to dancing. All of my days, I will glorify You and praise Your holy name.
In Jesus’ most magnificent name, Amen.
Ng Phaik May is a writer for Ignite.
Our Best Thought is a weekly devotional that follows DUMC’s Bible Reading Plan. Posts on Sundays.