1 Samuel 17:31-32 – Fix our gaze on Jesus not on our problem

David was here at the Valley of Elah on his father’s errand to deliver provision for his brothers. As providence would have it, he heard the challenge of Goliath and was puzzled why the covenant people of God should be so threatened by an uncircumcised menacing Philistine. He saw how terrified they were, and also heard of the reward that Saul offered to the person who would kill Goliath. That was secondary to him. What infuriated him, as a person who knew his covenant status with God, were the words of Goliath. How could an uncircumcised pagan speak so contemptuously about God and his people?

With the word of Goliath ringing in his ear, David’s question was, “For who is  this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” A closer look at it tells us several things about David’s perspective. Firstly the God he serves is the living God. Like it or not everyone must take this God seriously. Secondly, David knew that the people of Israel belonged to God. They were the armies of the living God. Therefore, He is the commander and worthy of our allegiance. Thirdly, he saw Goliath's words as not just insulting the people of Israel but also the God of Israel. Fourthly, to him, Goliath was not worthy of acknowledgment let alone taken seriously.  

While Eliab did not like David’s rhetorical question, he could not prevent the words of his younger brother from spreading.  Soon Saul also got to hear of it and summoned for him. When brought before Saul, David said to him “Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” As far as David was concerned, no one should fear on account of Goliath. Why? He offered to go and fight him. One thing we know for sure is that David knew exactly the God he worshipped and served. He made God the focus in life, regardless of the overwhelming circumstance. Like David, we must also turn our eyes on God. The short chorus that exhorts us to turn our eyes on Jesus instead of the things of this world is exactly what we should do. So no matter how trying our situation in life may appear, we turn our eyes on Jesus and look full in His wonderful face. We will be amazed at how the things of this world will become strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. And this we must constantly and consistently do.