Passage
“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.” — 1 Samuel 17:45
Reflection
David was much smaller than Goliath. The whole army of Israel was afraid to fight the giant, and David was just a boy bringing food to his brothers. When he said he would go fight, King Saul offered him his own armor, but it was so big David could barely even walk in it. So he took it off and went with what he already knew how to use: his sling and five stones from the stream.
David felt real fear about facing something so big. But he also knew something even more important: he remembered how God had helped him before, when a lion and a bear attacked his sheep and he was able to protect them. That didn’t erase the fear in front of Goliath. But it gave him something to hold on to while he took the step anyway.
When something new feels scary, like the first day somewhere you don’t know anyone or trying something you’ve never done, you don’t have to stop feeling afraid to be brave either. You can remember, like David, a time God already took care of you, and take the step trusting that he’s with you this time too, with the stones you already have in your hand, without needing borrowed armor that doesn’t fit you.
Prayer
God, sometimes I’m scared to try new things. Help me remember that you’ve already taken care of me before, and give me courage to take the step today, even while the fear is still there. Thank you for being with me. Amen.