A CHARACTER STUDY OF A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART (PART 4) - A MAN WHOSE CONFIDENCE IN GOD IS UNSHAKEABLE (1 SAM 17:23-37)

Dear Members in Christ,

A character study of a man after God’s own heart (Part 4) - A man whose confidence in God is unshakeable (1 Sam 17:23-37)

In the previous articles, we examined the scriptures to consider the courage of David as a youth. He was faithful as a shepherd of his little flock. He was obedient to his father’s instruction to take victuals to his brothers at the battlefront. David as a youth was responsible and faithful to his task. He ensured that his flock was entrusted to a keeper before he left – a sure sign of this young man’s faithfulness as a shepherd of the sheep. In this article, we examine how the courage of a man after God’s own heart is displayed in the face of danger and overwhelming odds.

David’s great courage is seen in his speech with King Saul when he said,

“And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:32

A man after God’s own heart is seen by his obedience to God’s will, but more visibly, the man whose heart is after God shows an unshakeable confidence in the power of God. Such is the kind of confidence we see in the young man David. Even when others are trembling, David exhibited this unwavering trust in God’s power to give him victory.

A.  When the soldiers were afraid, David was courageous

Sometimes in life, when we choose to stand for the truth of God, others who are fearful and anxious may discourage us. However, David was not such a man. We read of the soldiers of King Saul’s army who were fearful and fled from the presence of Goliath.

“And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them. And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.” 1 Samuel 17:23-24

Goliath had appeared before Israel’s army to issue his challenge. It was a clear case of a bully throwing the gauntlet before a puny challenger. If none would take up the challenge, it would be an admission of defeat, and a sure road to slavery for the Israelites. For Goliath had said, “If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.” 1 Samuel 17:9. Sadly, the men of Israel “chickened out” before the challenge of the Philistine giant. The Bible describes them fleeing and in a state of great fear.

Dearly beloved, let us not be afraid in the face of any trial of our faith. Do you fear the loss of a job? Or persecution for your faith by mocking unbelievers? Or perhaps when your job demands and your service in church seems impossible to cope with? Even when the odds seem overwhelming, and others lose hope we must stand firmly upon God’s faithfulness. Trust that God will provide a means of deliverance.

B. When Saul was doubtful, David was confident in God’s deliverance

Sometimes when we set our minds to do the work of God, others may discourage us by their assessment of our circumstances. David as a youth was looked upon with disbelief by others.

Even King Saul had no confidence in him. We read that King Saul actually discouraged David from going to battle. King Saul knew Goliath was a trained warrior, having been schooled in the art of combat from an early age. We read of what he said to David most discouragingly,

“And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock.” 1 Samuel 17:33-34

David had a simple answer to King Saul’s doubtful disposition, his reply was if I may paraphrase it, “Goliath will be defeated, for God is my Deliverer!” The Bible records the exchange between the frightened king and the courageous youth, and David having said,

“Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.” 1 Samuel 17:36-37

Dearly beloved, let us live with confidence in God for deliverance under any circumstances. However threatening or overwhelming the situation may be, we must demonstrate an unshakeable faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let us not waver when trials beset us. Is your livelihood threatened? Are you afraid for your condition or health? Are you in constant worry about the future of your children?  Fear not, trust in God and walk close to Him, abiding always with the Lord Jesus Christ, or Saviour and deliverer. Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor