Instantaneous news.
Before the quake stops shaking texts begin to fly. Twitter updates come in at a steady stream in 140 characters or less. Facebook conversations get a sudden springboard. And, everyone hits the internet to research earthquakes and aftershocks and epicenters.
In a much simpler time, but wrought with its own tragedies, news traveled by foot.
Wondering if his sons might still be alive, Jesse sends David to check out the battle scene.
I relate most to the Israelites in this story. Shaking uncontrollably from fear.
I size up my enemy. Daily it taunts me. I can tell you everything about it, even its next move, because it is pretty much the same thing as yesterday. My own Goliath of Gath.So close the Israelites could see the veins on his neck as he mocked them. So often that they knew every strand of his armor.
You likely have one, too. Fear, doubt, depression, anger, complacency, pride, uncertainty. Take your pick.
” . . . all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.” Yep, that’s me. I don’t even dare approach it. I know failure is guaranteed.
I think I must need some new armory to take this one down. What can I possibly use?
Then David shows up. Ancient weapons. Stones.
I have a rock, too, but I forget to stand on it.
He has a slingshot.
I have a sword, but it sits lifeless.
And it only took one shot for victory to run rampant over the enemy camp.
Victory comes effortlessly if I rest in the Master’s hand. David’s heart flows out in the Psalms. He didn’t likely write Psalm 33 from what I can gather, but we can see the heart attitude of a true victor there. The prayer at the close of this Psalm is my prayer as well.
Father God,
Our soul waiteth for You, our help and our shield.
21For our heart shall rejoice in You, because we have trusted in Your holy name.
22Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in You.
~In Jesus Name, Amen
Erin (5intow)
Sixty-six books in a year 