How do we keep our hearts in a world determined to rob us of them?
King David knew the secret.
Goliath stood threatening the armies of God until this kid brother of some warriors arrived, fresh from tending sheep.
“David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” (1 Samuel 17:32 esv)
We smile with condescension at David’s bold pronouncement. Ironic since we know he does secure victory for God’s people! Still, we smirk and deem it youthful zeal.
The crime is that we do this, also, to our own hearts.
When our believing hearts say, “I will reach this nation for Christ.” Or “I will intercede for this addict until he is freed.” Or “I will write books that transform lives.” Another part within looks down and hands that faith-filled part of our hearts King Saul’s armor.
That armor looks like “Managed expectations.” “Realistic hopes.” “Don’t get ahead of yourself.” “Who do I think I am?”
David is unselfconscious against Goliath.
The men around likely snicker, scold, or sneer. But he remains focused on the affront to God’s name. On what he knows God can do.
Wisdom and discernment are essential in the Christian life, but guard against worldly versions lest they smother your believing heart with a pillow. Remind your worldly self (the one labeling David’s words naïve) that David did defeat Goliath.
Sometimes, within us, a battle wages between the disciple inside still trying to figure Jesus out and the believing child running to His arms.
Don’t let your inner disciple block that child from Jesus.
Have a heart after God’s. Nurture that believing child-like faith that is effective against giants.
Mourn the world’s brokenness. Believe God’s greatness. Hurl stones at giants. Keep your heart.
**Dear Readers, This week, I’m introducing shorter posts. Let me know your reaction. Also, join the conversation. Buy the book. Continue the work we share of demonstrating His kingdom come. Mercy and grace, Lori
I know your secret battle. Here’s the key. https://t.co/qr2ep2Um8e #amwriting #Believe
— Lori Roeleveld (@lorisroeleveld) September 14, 2022
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On short messages:
Someone said, “brevity is the soul of wit”!
To quote myself, ‘short swords do great work at close range’.
And finally…’long sermons breed great naps!’
I enjoyed your post. And I think it’s the right length. It’s very quotable. “But he remains focused on the affront to God’s name.” I will try to keep this as my focus today too.
And “Have a heart after God’s. Nurture that believing child-like faith that is effective against giants.”
Thank you.
Even with my good intentions, I don’t always have time to read everyone’s blog post. Having been a subscriber to your blog for years, I am confident you will do equally as well using fewer words. PS: I just bought Colorful Connections and am on my way to being better informed!
Shorter posts are fine with me! Actually makes it more likely that I’ll take the time to read.
As always, I appreciate your thoughts and writings Lori!
Short or long Lori we know that we can always guarantee Godly inspired words from you that both encourage and challenge and always blessing our socks off!
Lori,
Short or Long, through the years I have always found it is a valuable read. You will manage the word count to present your thoughts with clarity.
Gary Sorrells
David HAD killed at least one hungry lion and also one hungry bear before with his sling and stone, which is as deadly a weapon as a M-1 rifle if one’s aim is true, AND he did trust God to be his laser guidance for the stone that he picked to hurl at Goliath.
So David wasn’t “naive.” He confronted the giant warrior with a practiced faith in The Living God!
However, your point is well taken, Lori, and a good one, as well as something that I needed to hear today, as my rational self is trying to calm down my zealous self.
Please pray that my zealous self pushes past my rational self . . . and IF that hero does die, at least he doesn’t die a coward.
Yes, my point is precisely that David was NOT naive.
Indeed.
And your point was clear and good and well-taken.
My addition was only to note that David also wasn’t a neophyte.
He’d spent many, many hours, days, weeks, years, even, alone with God and nature becoming the faithful and accomplished teen that he was when he finally confronted Goliath in the Name of The Living God Who had already proved Himself Faithful to David.
I like shorter posts that get right to the point. I enjoyed this piece on young David.
Yes, this is a batter length. I have had to “save up” your posts for a day when i “have time”.
Will the book conversations be in a separate post? It has come at a MOST opportune time.