“…for the battle is the Lord’s.” 1 Samuel 17:47
Young David spoke these words as he stepped up to face the giant, Goliath. The result was a legendary victory for Israel and a defining moment for David. In these uncertain times, do we have the confidence to say, “The battle belongs to the Lord?” Well, young David teaches us a thing or two about being confident in crisis.
First, he had a deep understanding of the One in whom he placed his confidence. David knew he served “the living God” (vv26, 36), “the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel” (v45). Battle worthy confidence in Christ is the result of knowing His nature and His attributes. We grow in our knowledge of the Lord by investing time in our relationship with Him. Intimate knowledge creates intense trust that is not easily shaken in the midst of intense battle.
David also drew confidence from past experiences, recounting how God empowered him to defend his flock (v34-37). How have you seen God work in past difficulties? Those experiences can fuel your faith in today’s battle. Also keep in mind that David knew Israel’s history. As his ancestors crossed the Red Sea “the Egyptians said, ‘Let us flee from Israel, for the Lord is fighting for them against the Egyptians’” (Exodus 14:25). We can draw confidence today from how the Lord has worked in our family’s history and in the history of our nation.
However, that doesn’t mean we sit idly by and do nothing. David didn’t win the battle passively, he confidently ran toward the battle line (v48). In a similar way, the Lord is calling believers to engage in spiritual battle during this crisis. For instance, we can point others to Christ by vocalizing our faith on social media, by engaging in spiritual conversations, and by praying with family and friends.
Running toward the battle may also mean facing your own worries and fears. If so, then open God’s Word and look for aspects of His character that speak to your current need. Humbly thank the Lord for how He’s helped you in the past and ask Him to fight on your behalf in the present. Learning to be confident in crisis can be a defining moment in your life. And displaying confidence in God through these difficult days will be a story of faith your children and grandchildren draw from in the future. So, remember today that the battle belongs to the Lord!