While I was studying the Old Testament story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel Chapter 17, the Holy Spirit struck me about one particular part. In verse 40, David went to the wadi and selected five smooth stones that he was going use to fight Goliath.
What do you trust in when you go into battle?
What struck me so, was that David entrusted his entire life to these stones. More accurately, he trusted in his ability to sling that stone towards his intended target. But was this just a cocky kid who spends hours practicing slinging stones, or was there more to his confidence?
I spent the rest of my study time asking the Holy Spirit to show me what David was really trusting in as he faced Goliath on the battlefield. What were the five stones, Lord? This is what percolated to the surface. I leave this for you to examine your own life and practices you apply to your battles.
The Five Smooth Stones David Depended On In Battle.
- Faith – He trusted in the Lord his God. “Today the LORD shall deliver you into my hand; I will strike you down and cut off your head … All this multitude, too, shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves. For the battle belongs to the LORD, who shall deliver you into our hands.” 1 Sam. 17:46-47 (NAB)
- Hope – Because of his relationship with the Lord in the past, he had the hope to know that God would not abandon him here. “The same LORD who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine…” 1 Sam. 17:37 (NAB)
- Love – Out of love for the Lord, David rises up in zealous anger against the Philistine. “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should insult the armies of the living God?” 1 Sam. 17:26 (NAB)
- Courage – When no one else would rise to fight to protect the honor of God, David did, without hesitation. “Then David spoke to Saul: ‘My lord should not lose heart. Let your servant go and fight this Philistine.’” 1 Sam. 17:32 (NAB)
- Strength of the Lord – With confidence in his God, he knew he would go into battle empowered by the living God. “David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone, hurled it with the sling, and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone embedded itself in his brow, and he fell on his face to the ground.”
1 Sam. 17:49 (NAB)
Oh, Lord, train me up to enter into all future battles with these five stones.
Amen!! Beautiful leading from the Spirit! May you always follow where He leads! And please always share!
Wow, what a great way to look at how we should prepare for each day with our Lord and how we should go into each day to face what ever battles we have to face. And knowing that our Lord is by our side and will give us the tools to win those battles. Thanks be to God
Five small stone with much substance. The truth of each of these stones and their manifestation in our battles relies on our understanding of them beyond their meaning. Substance requires action in daily living with these stones; active faith in all things, deep hope in God’s goodness, love of God in all things, courage bestowed in humility-knowing my weakness and relying solely on Him, strength in joy (Neh 8:10) with a heart of praise. Thank you for sharing your meditation and providing affirmation of His movement. I love the way He works!!!
Thank you so much for speaking at our parish mission this year. My little boy, Harley, and I both loved your enthusiasm and your ability to make us think about our own lives.
Pray for me that I will continue down this road of further knowledge of the Holy Spirit and that I might have a lasting relationship with Him. Also pray that Harley (who is 9 by the way) continues to have the desire to walk daily with the Holy Spirit.
Harley is a very special God given gift to me and my husband and I know the Lord has great plans for him.
May God bless you in all your efforts!
Lisa Kelley
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Ironton Ohio
Hi Kelley and Harley,
I thank you so much for coming to the mission and making your relationship the most important part of your life. This is a decision that will bless you for the rest of eternity. I will pray for both of you, that you will grow in your desire to make His love for you a constant focus throughout your days.
Meet you in prayer,
drp