I Samuel 17:42,43
‘When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance. The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.’
This could have frightened the average person. Now he's really mad. He's already fearsome. Now he's cursing. If there was a possibility of mercy, that's now gone. Goliath feels insulted that David is his opponent. It's as if Goliath was hoping for a challenge to have something to overcome. He felt as if David would have been disposed of without effort.
What do we do when we make others angry? If it's our fault, we attempt to make amends. If it's not our fault, we confidently go about our business. We don't want to be rude, but this wasn't David's fault. He was to go about the battle the way he knew.
Who knows what makes people upset. Many times it's not our problem. We are to confidently go about our business. We need to bring this to God, as those that rage and curse are intimidating. We need the Lord at these times to bring us peace.
We also need to pray, as He may want to accomplish something out of this chaos. All of this may be His will. By going to Him for help He will work His way. He will give His peace. We have no evidence that David was frightened. He had faced tough situations before and the Lord brought him victory. He felt this was to be the same.
There is peace in going about our business. This is what's done most days. We may feel down or anxious. The Lord has provided work to help us get out our of those states. Engaging in the task at hand has a wonderful way of getting us out of those stuck places. Yes, there's a roaring threat, but at times that's not because of us. In prayer, we are to do the task at hand.
This battle was a miracle. That's what God does. This dreadful situation may be for the purpose of glorifying His name. We aren't to grow faint of heart, but to proceed, trusting that He will work all things for good.
It's said of David that he was a man after God's heart. There is much in Psalms and Proverbs which tells us how to become this. The beginning is the fear of the Lord. This is realizing that what He says is true and to listen to His Word and to obey it.
David did what he knew to do, the sling. The Lord will use the ordinary things in our lives. Much of this won't feel like preparation for big things, but just ordinary life. He gives us all gifts and talents. Those are developed in the ordinary days of life. That which we faithfully do in quietness will be honored in the open. David was probably famous for playing with his sling. No one knew it would serve him in this way. When we are faithful with the few, He honors that.
Lord, we thank You for the example of David. You used Him for great things. Ours won't be on that great of a scale, but You are eager to use us. Help us to walk in obedience and to honor You.