I was recently reading the story of David and Goliath—a story most Christians know well. This time, however, my attention was drawn to Goliath’s very first words to David as the battle began.
1 Samuel 17:44 (NKJV) “And the Philistine said to David, ‘Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!’”
Think about the fear Goliath was trying to instill. His words were meant to intimidate, paralyze, and crush David before a stone was ever thrown.
There have been moments in my own life when negative circumstances surrounded me so completely that it felt as though Satan himself was speaking those same words—threatening to finish me off. His goal has always been the same: to create anxiety and fear, to destroy every shred of hope, and ultimately to get us to abandon our faith in God’s help.
I don’t believe I’m unique in that arena. Most people face terrifying “Goliath moments” in life. They may come through the loss of a job, financial pressure, a broken relationship or marriage, illness, or any number of painful situations that suddenly confront us. In those seasons, people lose sleep, stop eating—or eat too much—make poor decisions out of emotional distress, and sometimes say or do things they later regret.
But David had an advantage over Goliath. He had faith in God.
As Christians, we also have an advantage over those who do not know Jesus as Savior. We are able to shut down the voice of fear with a confidence that can only come from God. Scripture describes it as “the peace that passes understanding”—peace where there should be none. It is a rest the world will never understand.
Jesus spoke words meant to assure us that this kind of peace is not only possible, but that it is His will for us—even when fear is attacking in difficult times.
Matthew 11:28 (NLT) “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”
Why would Jesus say that? How could He say that?
Because of His profound love for us and His sincere desire to walk with us through every moment of our lives. He knows how overwhelming life can be. Yet He invites us to lay our burdens at His feet, pray in faith for His help, and then trust Him to do what He has promised.
He is with you.
1 John 5:4 (NIV) “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”
1 John 4:4 (NLT) “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory… because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
Many people keep Jesus at arm’s length, turning to Him only when they are desperate. That’s often why they struggle to believe He truly cares. But our unbelief doesn’t change the truth—He does care. He simply loves us. He loves me. He loves you.
God comforts us further with this promise:
Psalm 23:4 (NLT) “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
The rod represents both God’s authority and His protection. The staff represents something to lean on for support and guidance. Together they remind us that we belong to Him—that He is keeping watch over us and will protect us as we walk through life. God’s rod and staff ultimately point us to His Word, which we are meant to lean upon with sincere faith so that we may rest in Him.
Jesus is also called Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23 (NLT) What powerful words of comfort.
Do not let the enemy of your soul lie to you or torment you. You don’t submit to him—you resist him. Rebuke him in Jesus’ name. Lay your cares and worries at the feet of Jesus and leave them there. Spend time in the Word, leaning on God’s rod and staff. He is with you, and He cares for you. He has promised—again and again.
Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
