David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head.
1Samuel 17:45,46
David was a ruddy-complected young man who was considered by his brother’s and contemporaries as nothing more than a shepherd. When he came with provisions from his father for the fighting men, the Scriptures record his own brother’s irritation at him. Even Samuel had trouble seeing past his fleshly vision of who the future successor as King would be; he saw all of David’s brothers before he met with David.
But that day on the battle front his faith, the confidence he had-faith in God’s power, not in his own strength propelled him to victory over a frighteningly gigantic adversary.
However, later in David’s life as King, his faith began to change, to turn. He sins against the LORD, ordering a census to assay HIS OWN strength, the strength of his armies, horses , and chariots, instead of relying on the power of God.
How could this happen, after all that David had experienced first hand? How could David have degenerated so far as think his armies were more able to protect, save, and deliver than “Eloheynu Melech ha Olam”-Our God the King of the Universe?
David’s not the only one.
Consider Israel today, America, or many other powerful nations. Huge armies and sophisticated weaponry are trusted foolishly over the Creator God without whom they would cease to exist.
Let’s get really personal here: Are we any different from David?
Where is your real faith today?
Does it rest where it should, with a Holy God who loves us and cares for us, sacrificing his only begotten Son for us all, or does your faith rest precariously on a bank account, wealth portfolio, a career/profession, a government, or anything other than God?
We must constantly examine and carefully examine of hearts because faith in anything else besides God has another name-idolatry-
and the LORD will not take second fiddle to anything else.
Today beloved, realign your faith and confidence to the only real One who is worthy and trustworthy.
The Lord, He alone is God!
