8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” 10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” 11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
1 SAMUEL 17:8-11
He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel…
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid”. To bring fear to Saul’s army was Goliath’s exact intent in sending out the challenge. First, to parade in front of the Israelite army with complete battle equipment, and then shout. If this was round one of the battles, Goliath defeated the Israelites on fear alone.
Our giants in life are real, and so is the voice of our enemy. The purpose of our enemy is always to devour. He is full of lies that seem to be authentic and close to us with the intent to magnify our giants and to cause fear and worries in us. This world is full of noise that may take away our serenity. We need to know our giant, but don’t listen to it. While the enemy shouts out his lies to us, the Holy Spirit whispers the truth gently in our hearts. While the enemy roars to cause anxiety, dismay, and fear, the Holy Spirit gently speaks comfort, peace, and strength. The world might be noisy, but in Him is quietness and rest. May the Lord guard our hearts and help us to fix our eyes on Him and be keen to listen to the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit.
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