1 Samuel 17:1-47
Introduction
An umbrella provides physical covering during a rainstorm. It does not stop the rain, but it does stop the rain from reaching us. Like an umbrella in a rainstorm, we need God’s protection to cover us during the storms of life that bring physical and spiritual threats in our walk with Him. These threats attempt to harm us by drenching all areas of our lives with various forms of destruction. God offers to protect us when we submit ourselves to functioning under His divine covering. His protection does not change what is happening around us, it does change what happens to us.
When believers operate under God’s covenant, we function under His divine covering and authority; and allow God’s protection to shield us from harm. God’s protection is part of His covenant; a spiritually binding relationship between God and His people. In 1 Samuel 17:49, David was divinely protected, experienced the power of God’s covenant, and defeated Goliath because he operated under divine authority. He kept God involved in the fight and successfully killed a giant, the uncircumcised Philistine who entered the battle without God’s covenant and covering. Like David, we must always involve God while operating under His covering and authority in all life’s circumstances.
David experienced the power of God’s covenantal protection in three ways. First, he focused on defeating a physical enemy through spiritual means. David prioritized his identity with God by proclaiming His name before entering battle, inviting God into the fight. Second, David utilized the resources God provided. When David realized that Saul’s armor would not be useful, he walked by faith into battle with the tools he was equipped with– his sling and five stones (1 Samuel 17:38-40). Third, David acknowledged God as the source of victory by publicly glorifying Him, extending the benefit of God’s covering to the uncovered (1 Samuel 17:46-47). As Christians, we should proclaim Christ’s name, use the resources He provides, and glorify Him to release God’s protection in every area of our lives!
Getting Started
- What new truth about divine covering did you learn from the story of David & Goliath?
- Have you ever faced a Goliath-sized threat in your life? How did God provide protection?
Let’s Get Personal
- Describe a time when you may have operated outside of God’s covering. How did you know that you were not functioning under divine authority?
- What struggles prevent you from consistently experiencing God’s protection in your life? How can you overcome these struggles to experience victory like David?
- In what areas do you need divine protection from God right now?
Take the Next Step
- What resources has God provided for you to fight against physical and spiritual enemies? Are you taking full advantage of what you already have? If you cannot identify any resources, pray and ask God to reveal them.
- What testimony of God’s power can you share with a nonbeliever or a Christian struggling with their faith? How can your testimony be used to draw them to Christ?
- Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: Genesis 50:18-21; Daniel 1:1-16; Daniel 3:8-23; Daniel 6:1-28; Exodus 19:5-6; 2 Chronicles 20:1-13; Psalm 50:15
Renew Your Mind
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”
Psalm 50:15
