“ … He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, ‘Rise and anoint him; he is the one.’ So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. … ” (1 Samuel 16:12-13).
“Mom…can you guess what Bible story I am pretending?”
After surveying his armor, along with the surrounding scene, it didn’t take me long. Perhaps you already know by looking at the picture. But if you don’t look closely, you’ll miss the reason behind this post…behind my desire for a closer examination of this story through a series of posts.
There, in the left front corner of the picture is a small soldier, lying on the ground in defeat. My son, playing the role of Goliath, had difficulty keeping his battle companion upright. David lay surrendered at the feet of my child’s imagination. And while the picture doesn’t rightly represent the real truth of Scripture, I am afraid it all too often represents the reality of how we choose to fight our Goliaths.
We posture ourselves for defeat.
Rather than stand for the battle, we surrender our backs for the piercing of the enemy’s sword. The wounding he brings cuts through the fabric of God’s divine intention, causing us to bleed a red that was never ours to bleed. Instead of claiming the victory that belongs to us through Christ Jesus, we bury our sacred identity and allow the enemy his “two cents” in the matter—a scripting that was never his to write.
Defeated. Loser. Sinner. Condemned. Unworthy. Unloved. Least of the least. Worst of the worst. Forgotten. Done. Finished.
Kingdom perspective is lost with such labeling. When we allow the enemy to name us, we forget the scripting of our God who calls us by a different name. A better name. A true identity, not based on a two-cents kind of hatred, but rather on a measureless, costly love that bled from intention and writes our name with its ink.
Child. Bride. Forgiven. Loved. Prized. Called. Filled. Heir. New. Eternal.
It is a hard perspective to keep when the enemy begins his assault on our hearts and minds. It is the right perspective, but it is a difficult holding. And what is not held in earnest, is prey to a fallen surrender that tills as fresh soil beneath the enemy’s feet.
King David kept kingdom perspective throughout his life. There were seasons of limited vision, but through them all, David always came back around to the perspective of his Father. He knew that he belonged to the bigger picture. David understood his place within that picture, and most importantly, he never lost sight of the Painter who graciously ordained him to walk within its frame.
David took hold of the one thing for which Covenant God took hold of him. David took hold of his calling…his God-determined kingship. His anointing by Samuel was a point of reference for him in all the days that would follow…for all of the uphill battles he would wage to find his crown and to receive his throne.
Before David would gird a sword around his waist, David’s heart would know the girding of a sacred identity. The truth of who he was came through the commissioning of Yahweh who scripted him with his powerful Spirit and shaped him to shepherd his flock, Israel.
David has a great deal to teach us about the aspects of battle…about fighting a war where the outcome is never in doubt. We could look at his entire life’s span as our teacher, but we will narrow our focus to one story. One you are familiar with, but perhaps, one you need to filter through fresh perspective. It is a story with more than enough intrigue and drama to capture the heart of a seven-year-old boy who has a lot of fight in him and who, most days, stands ready to wield his sword in strong defense.
I imagine that our journeys can boast the same, for we are a people of drama and intrigue. As long as our flesh inhabits this earth …this is exactly how long the enemy stands at the ready to engage us in battle. Like my son, we have got to find our fight. We must find our feet and stand ready for the battle with the sure and sacred identity that God has scripted within each one of us as his children.
We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, so that we may declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once, we were not a people, but now we are the people of God; once we have not received mercy, but now we have received it…in abundance. (1 Peter 2:9-10). Thus, we have our perspective for the road ahead.
Kingdom perspective, my friends. Kingdom anointing. Yours and mine. The same Spirit that came in power and filled the heart of a shepherd boy is the same Spirit that comes to us and cloaks us with the power and strength of the living LORD as we believe on Him (John 14). Yahweh. Covenant God.
We are not left to war the enemy through our own defenses. We are left with the presence of Almighty God to wage the war on our behalf. And when we get that…when we really take hold of our Father’s sacred perspective…giants tumble. Kingdoms fall, and we find our crown and our throne within his painted masterpiece called Forever.
Today is the day to stand up and to find our fight, and so I pray…
Take my wounded spirit and clothe it with your Spirit from on high, LORD. Remind me of my calling…of my anointing that came, like David’s, at an early age. Let me find the fight of my youthful faith…before it was tainted by life and by the enemy’s attempts to re-script my identity. Forgive me when I see myself as anything less than what you’ve called me to be. I am your child, and you are my great BIG DADDY! Remind me of your presence on the battlefield of my current. Keep me holding to your perspective…the one truth that claims the victory before the battle begins. And let me find my feet, Lord. Raise me up in strong defense of all that you are…of all that you have called me to be. Amen.
Take some time today to familiarize yourself with David’s story by reading 1 Samuel 16. What part of David’s commissioning resonates within your spirit? How was God preparing David, even at his young age, to take his place as God’s chosen leader for Israel? How is God preparing you to do the same?
Over the next few posts, I will examine the story of David and Goliath to glean some truth that will help us in fighting the enemy whose sole objective is to steal, to kill, and to destroy our lives (John 10:10). Please leave comments along the way. At the end of our study I will select a name from all of the comments for a special give away. If you don’t have a blogger account, you can sign in as an anonymous contributor. I look forward to sharing this time with you! As always,
(allrightsreserved, elaineolsen, 2008).
I love this post, Elaine.
I love the story of David so much. There is so much to learn of myself and of God through the story of David’s life….When I was struggling to get my weight down (I had hit a plateau), one afternoon, I became increasingly frustrated. I wanted to be a certain “number” on the scale….At that point in my life, that was my main focus…..After much complaining about my “physical” appearance, I walked out to the mail box……and in it was a card from the church addressed to my son. On the card was a person’s handwriting that said, “Read 1 Samuel 16:7………I knew that God meant for me to read that verse (my son was only four at the time), so I went to my Bible to look it up.
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
I was immediately humbled, and very quickly got over myself….God cares more about the amount of my faith in Him than the amount of my weight.:)
So much time(in society) and thought is given to an “acceptable” outer appearance, and so little given to the condition of our hearts.
I’m so thankful that God looks at me for who I am on the inside…He doesn’t compare me to what others look like on the outside.
I am looking forward to the rest of your posts.
You have a beautiful way with words.
God Bless,
Amy:)
I love David’s story. I remember when I first realized that David and others from the Old Testament were not perfect. They made mistakes and got off track. But that never once changed who God was or the promises that He had made to them. His plan was still going to prevail. Isn’t that Awesome!! The Battle has truly already been won! All we have to do is live like we know we are on the winning team.
Thanks Elaine for the reminder. I am looking forward to this study.
Oh! How I love this part of scripture. I am contiuing to fight a financial fight I have been fighting for quite some time now. The only difference now is I have been humbled by my father to get over myself. I have reached the lowest of low and have managed to maintain my pride and dignity thanks to my Lord. He has shown me a fresh perspective on things I thought mattered that did not. He has shown me a fresh spirit, a spirit that wants to do his will, a spirit that surrenders only to him. I used to care what others thought. It used to matter to me to have what “others” have. Now I know that I have the JOY of Christ in my heart. I continue to fight daily, but not for one moment without my Lord by my side. I know God does not look at the things man looks at and neither should I. Thanks for a wonderful writing and a refreshing moment for me.
a good word..thanks!
Wow! I can see myself in the little soldier lying at the feet of Goliath! So many times I give up and surrender before I even try to let the Lord fight my battle! Thank you so much Elaine for this reminder that “the battle is the LORD’S”!
Marilyn
Elaine,
Wow – I love it when everyday life merges with God’s word – and teaches us a lesson. What a great post – perspective seems to be something I have to keep learning over and over again!
You’ve won an award from me! Please stop by and pick it up. = )
Elaine,
Saw your post on the LPM Blog and am so glad I clicked over. What a beautiful and fresh post on David. I love the picture of your son and the little defeated David.
I have always loved that story and my thoughts today were how David no matter what poor decisions he made always kept God at center. When he sinned… he repented, when he felt joy … He Praised. He worshipped God unashamed.
Your word picture of assuming a defeated posture before the battle starts was so eye opening. How I have so many times been that unscriptural little David in your picture.
Thanks for a fresh perspective.
Marita
I’ve been known to engage a battle or two, and I can say from experience it’s best to never fight naked Ouch!) – especially when there’s a prescription for armoring up (Eph 6:10-18).
Timely piece, Elaine!
wifeforthejourney:
For those of us that have grown up in the church, sometimes our familiarity with the scriptures is not enough to overcome our own negative “self-talk.” We read and re-read about the Garden of Eden, Noah, Moses, and David. Many of us can accurately retell what we have read in the Bible, but fail to apply its truths to life in the here and now. We have indeed allowed our identities to be defined by our enemy without a fight.
Thank you for keeping God’s promises burning brightly in our home. Thank you for your faithfulness to find modern day parables to highlight God’s Word. You have a God-given talent for underscoring God’s Word, without altering or obscuring it – and I see the fruits of your labors everyday in our home.
After years of wandering, my wife has truely found her theme, for this life and the next. Thanks for sharing Christ with me, our children, and the world.
~Billy
“I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest. And when in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, ’twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.”
v. 4 “I Love to Tell the Story” by k. Hankey, 1868
Once again, you’ve blessed me and shared deeply.
So here’s your hug. Please check my blog. 🙂
Grace
Elaine…
I couldn’t help but giggle with delight when I found out you were doing another “Blog Bible Study” I am loving this!!!!
While reading your post, thinking on David’s appearance, admiring your son’s armor, and pondering your statement of how we posture outselves for defeat… I couldn’t help but recall something Beth Moore said in a study (I think it was When Godly People do Ungodly Things) that we should never turn our back on the enemy. If you notice there is nothing that protects our back in the verses regarding the armor of God.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ~ Ephesians 6: 10-17
Like David, I learned to face the enemy head on – I know with God on my side – the enemy is defeated. Anxiety is something I struggle with at times. Now, whenever I feel anxiety begin to creep in… I will say (out loud mind you) “Satan, you have NO power over me. I am God’s child, He is with me and is my protection. He has defeated you and you will not defeat me!” I know if I turn my back on a roaring lion, he will attack! Like David, I too am not perfect… and like Regina, I too felt more worthy of service when my eyes were opened and I realized that the people God used in the Bible were as imperfect as me.
I too like David am small in appearance. Fortunately I had always been told that “dynamite comes in small packages” God is able to use this small, petite girl in a mighty way. Especially since He gave me a BIG voice! I just have to remember to use my BIG voice to gloriy Him!
I recall first becoming involved in Church leadership. At Parish Council meetings I felt that my voice was not being heard at times. That I was looked at as young, and… also a woman. (see what Satan tries to do) There were times that I felt so defeated. (felt like turning my back – becoming vulnerable to the attack) But many years later – God was using my voice in a big way. He gave me the “stick to it ness” to run the race… I realized my voice did count. It was important to God and the work He had planned for me and for the service to Him I was involved in.
I could go on and on… I best shut this BIG voice down for now. I may be tiny, but I am a migty warrior for the Lord!
I certainly can relate to the comments you left on my blog about moving – especially the reaching out portion. We do long for others to reach out to us from time to time, don’t we. I am hoping to change the world – encouraging all women to reach out. We all so long to be pursued. I too have wanted to give up, but God will not let me! The rewards of persevering have far out weighed the discomfort. David didn’t give up when he saw the giant, did he? Giants come in all sizes and sorts! I loved the picture of the young champion! Tell him I said – “Go get em! The world needs godly young men!”
Thanks so much Elaine!
I’m fine today. But I knew they were being waaayyy too nice to us after they took the steak back. I guess they could tell….
And no thank you, no way am I sending him off for a whole day! 🙂
Happy Tuesday!
This is my first visit and I must say your words have ministered to my heart today. All the way home from work the words ‘unworthy’ kept ringing over and over in my head. Today I am the little David face down in defeat. I don’t intend to let satan replay any old tapes tonight in my thoughts. Hope you don’t mind but I’m printing this post…Thank you for sharing His word and reminders.
Blessings~
Elaine, your blog is so inviting. I love the layout!
I have started reading about David, and I loved this post, I can’t wait to read more…
Connie
GBU
Thank you…look forward to joining you in this journey of study.
I was troubled by folks – Saul in particular – linking God to sending an evil spirit. I went to a commentary and read that believers at that time attributed all spirits – good and evil – to God. That led to reading a reference from Amos. Anyway, in additional to enlightening my heart with your words, you have engaged my mind by giving me work to do to fully appreciate and try to understand the message.
Wounded souls struggle to remember they are not in the battle alone. In fact don’t even have to fight just stand and let God be God. Thanks for the reminder when we are at our weakest God is just a prayer away waiting to help us fight. Too often we forget to develop David’s attitude the enemy insults our God when he attacks and with this knowledge we should stand with all our might and say no not this day will I let you insult my God.
Elaine,
I’m so excited to see a new study posted and I positively love studying about David. This is quite an empowering post!
Two specific things here resonate with me. First, the desire of my heart to grasp that “victory-before-the-battle- begins” mindset! So often I find I’m entering a battle already in defeat mode! If God be for us, [truly]who can be against us!?
The other part of this passage that speaks to me is this: “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Like others who have commented above, I’ve struggled with my self worth based on outward appearance and other things I perceive as weaknesses for as long as I can remember. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to Satan tell me “you’re not strong enough, pretty enough, smart enough, etc.” The glorious truth is, God doesn’t care what I look like in the physical sense, He only sees my heart! (Hallelujah!)
Thank you again for expressing your heart so beautifully in this study lesson. = )
Blessings, my friend.
Tracy
Thanks so much Elaine. I allow the enemy to convince me that I am not “whatever enough” more times that I would like to admit. I need to start the battle remembering that the outcome is never in doubt. What a great reminder of God’s truth. Lynn