The story of David and Goliath is everyone’s comfort Bible story: a tale passed down from generation to generation in Sunday school, the legend of a young hero conquering the impossible. We remember the miniscule silhouette of a boy brimming with youth and wit drowned out by the shadow of a giant. We remember the worn-out bag containing five little stones from a nearby river, then fast-forward to the moment when a stone struck the giant’s forehead and he toppled in one glorious crash. 

These things we remember, and for good reason. What is often overlooked is neither the five smooth stones David retrieved from the river, nor the admirable speech he delivered before killing Goliath (which was rather long…considering that Goliath was about to feed his flesh to the birds). 

It is the fact that David tried Saul’s armor on before heading out, and it fit so poorly that he immediately took it off. While the armor appeared sturdy, expensive, and promising for victory, it only hindered and distracted David from the battle at hand. It drew his attention to himself, rather than God. He could not even walk around — a basic human function — without itching to take it off! 

Think back to the times you’ve put on facades or put your faith in things you thought you could trust. How did you feel? What was the outcome? 

Instead, David defeated Goliath with sling and stone — two mundane objects part of his everyday life as a shepherd. Although they appeared silly, flimsy, and doomed to fail, David’s true weapon was the Lord, who was on his side. This knowledge allowed him to speak with certainty in the Lord’s victory over Goliath before the battle began, despite his obvious physical disadvantage against Goliath. Proclaiming this truth in the face of Goliath and public criticism (including his older brothers), David demonstrated profound faith and courage.

Do you share David’s confidence that God is fighting for you? Or do you wear armor to shield yourself from your fears and the truth? 

The small detail of David taking off the armor teaches us that God sees us for who we are and uses who we are to do miraculous things. He wants you to rely on Him for help and protection, not on the things around you or other versions of yourself. To prove that, He used a young shepherd boy who had no military experience, but extraordinary faith, to do the impossible. This brings to mind a familiar verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

We all have our own Goliaths, whether with work, school, family, friends, church, or ourselves. For me, my self-doubt and desire to be accepted are hurdles I must overcome as I head off to college. For you, it could be a difficult boss or colleague, anxieties and insecurities, financial crises, or something else entirely. Whatever it is, this story reminds us that God can use those Goliaths to reveal Himself to you in unexpected ways, as long as we put our trust in Him. For we walk by faith, not by sight (Corinthians 5:7), and this is exactly how Peter, Jesus’s disciple, was able to walk on water for a moment; Sarah and Abraham had Isaac in their old age; and David triumphed over Goliath. 

Is your trust in the Lord? Where have you put your faith? Ask the Lord to show you today and trust that He will take care of you.