goliath.

can I admit something embarrassing? I get nervous when people start talking about the story of david and goliath. why? because I have this irrational fear that they are going to point at me and say—“yeah goliath was about as tall as you”. I would probably turn beet red and hate myself. because what girl wants to be compared to the beastly giant in the scriptures? not me. luckily…it hasn’t happened…yet. (p.s. you all need to know that I love being tall. I just wouldn’t love being compared to giants).

so to my surprise. I’ve had two exceptional experiences with the giant here in Jerusalem.

experience numero uno:

a few weeks ago we visited the valley of elah (where they believe david fought goliath). brother belnap gave us a lesson while looking out over the valley. he talked about the goliaths we are all going to face throughout our lives. he guessed that some of us probably came to Jerusalem to take a brake from our goliaths (yep). he taught us that these goliath’s will always seem impossible to overcome in every way. however, when we are living our lives in accordance with the Lord, and have his spirit with us—we can have confidence and boldness in our trials. brother belnap expressed his confidence in us. his confidence in who we are and our potential. he understands and has taught us that we are the same type of being as God—and he sees that Godly potential in us. that understanding that is powerful…(in my opinion at least).

experience numero dos: 

in Sunday school today, our lesson was also on…drumroll please…david and goliath. we read:

proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

this might be one of the most comforting notions that I have come to understand in my life. I know when we make our plans HIS plans, everything is going to work out. I know when we work hard, and our hearts are good, great things happen. even when we can’t see why things are the way they are, it’s okay because we can trust in the man that knows it all. He understands it all. I also love the second half of this scripture—acknowledging Him is key. I think it’s so important to recognize when He is directing our paths (even though I think he usually always is) because it makes us aware of his guidance. aware of his love.

we also read what david says to goliath before the fight. it’s epic.

1 samuel 17:45-47

“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air; and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.”

I felt like such a boy when we read this, so excited for the battle about to go down. I literally got pumped like I was about to get thrown into the biggest volleyball game of my life. haha. but seriously. why can’t we have that same courage, that same boldness, when facing our goliath’s in life? josh leaned over to me after we read it and murmured “God as Warrior” (a concept/description of God bro. belnap has talked about, that we all think is pretty rad).

david’s goliath and our goliath’s aren’t really all that different. and the best part is that God and our God are the same. the Lord will fight our battles with us, and that is the best weapon/protection…aka confidence…that one could ever ask for.

I heard a quote once that said something along the lines of “act like it all depends on you, and pray like it all depends on him”.  I know when we do this, we will be victorious.

the lesson ended with a quote by president Hinckley.

“There are Goliaths all around you, hulking giants with evil intent to destroy you.

…You need not fear if you have the slingshot of truth in your hands. You have been counseled and taught and advised. You have the stones of virtue and honor and integrity to use against these enemies who would like to conquer you. Insofar as you are concerned, you can hit them “between the eyes,” to use a figurative expression. You can triumph over them by disciplining yourselves to avoid them. You can say to the whole lot of them as David said to Goliath, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”

Victory will be yours. There is not a [person] within the sound of my voice who needs to succumb to any of these forces…You are a [child] of God. You have His power within you to sustain you. You have the right to ministering angels about you to protect you. Do not let Goliath frighten you. Stand your ground and hold your place, and you will be triumphant. As the years pass, you will look back with satisfaction upon the battles you have won in your individual lives.

When temptation comes your way, name that boastful, deceitful giant “Goliath!” and do with him as David did to the Philistine of Gath. God bless each of you, I humbly pray.”

amen to that.

I hope we can all face our goliath’s with courage, and have the comfort in knowing that God our father is behind our efforts.