Who Are You Looking At?

These past few weeks, I have thinking about the story of David and Goliath (see 1 Samuel 17.32-51). David, a little shepherd boy who was bringing his brothers some food, volunteered to fight against a Philistine giant named Goliath. That in itself is an amazing thought, considering that everyone else in his country was trembling in fear and running away.

But there's more. As David stood against the giant, he wasn't focusing on the fact that Goliath was over nine feet tall, or that Goliath was strong enough to carry more than 125 pounds in armor alone. David was focusing on God.

• "This is the Lord's battle."
• "The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!"
• "Today the Lord will conquer you."

It is clear that David is focusing on God, trusting Him to win this battle. I only wish that I had the same focus when I fight my own battles.

Granted, I don't have any real-life Goliaths that I'm fighting; there's no giant who is threatening my life. But I do have other "Goliaths" - a conflict with a friend, problems at school. Can you think of any "Goliaths" in your life? Maybe dealing with gossip or depression, loneliness or a bully.

If you're anything like me, you get caught up in focusing on your problem instead of looking to God and His strength, power, and love.

There's quite a difference. When I stare at Goliath, I see my weakness, my inadequacy. When I stare at Goliath, I am paralyzed in fear. Just like the Israelites, I find myself hearing his challenge to fight, and I run away.

But when I look into the eyes of God, I see love and encouragement. When I look into the eyes of God, I find strength and perseverence. I am able to stand firm in His Truth. Because I know that He has already won the fight.

Who are you looking at - your "Goliath", or your God? I urge you to follow David's example and focus your eyes on God, trusting Him to bring about the victory...