Common Questions

Remember Your Creator: David

David’s son, Solomon, said, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’” (Ecc. 12:1).  No doubt, Solomon learned hard lessons and had many regrets for not listening to his father’s dying-words of wisdom.

…be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man.  And keep charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn (1 Kgs. 2:2, 3).

David essentially said, “Remember your Creator.”  David’s words are good for any young man or woman to hear and heed.  David’s example as a young man gives us the confidence that it can be done, even in the face of a “giant” enemy.

You will recall the account of David and Goliath.  Refresh your memory by reading 1 Samuel 17, then consider the following.

David faced an enemy that was nine plus feet tall, wore chained armor of about 125 pounds, and had a spearhead of 15 pounds on the end of a huge spear.  No one denies that the enemy David confronted was a powerful giant.  While you may not face a literal Goliath, you nevertheless must confront huge enemies.  You may face a school bully, people who envy your accomplishments, or those who despise you because you are different.  You don’t curse, drink, or commit fornication.  You go to church, dress modestly, and pray regularly.  People will despise you for this (Jn. 15:18-20).

To help you face difficult situations, remember young David.  He was a shepherd boy, about 17 years old, sent on an errand by his father.  His brother scolded him for asking about the giant’s challenge and the rewards offered by the king.  David protested and kept asking about the situation.  When he went before the king, David’s ability was doubted.  Still, the shepherd boy did not waver in his resolve.  Even if all others were afraid to face the giant, he was not.

As David prepared to face Goliath, he rejected the armor provided by Saul.  It was too cumbersome and unfamiliar.  He chose to fight with modest weapons, ones he knew how to use; a sling and stones.  When Goliath saw this young man, he mocked and threatened.  Those of lesser backbone would have run at this point.  Some may talk about taking a stand, but then back down when the time comes—not David.  He told the Philistine exactly what he would do to him, including cut off his head, though David did not have a sword.  You know the rest of the story; David won the fight, energized Israel, and received praise.

Why did David face Goliath?  How did he confront such an intimidating enemy?  He did it because he remembered his Creator.  David did it for the Lord’s honor (1 Sam. 17:45-47).  He was offended by one who blasphemed God and had complete faith that God would carry him through.