(by Lorie Codispoti)
We’ve all heard the famous bible story about a young shepherd boy who used his sling shot to slay a giant champion warrior. So tell me, would you say that David was brave or courageous as he stood up to Goliath?
Bravery & courage are terms that are often used interchangeably. And while they are closely connected there is a difference that helps to clarify the distinction. Bravery is the ability to confront dangerous, painful or difficult circumstances without any fear. Courage confronts the circumstance despite the looming fear.
When someone exhibits bravery they are spontaneously responding to an immediate threat. It’s instinctive, impulsive, & usually means they have not taken the time to think through all the risks. I’m reminded of the story of Desmond Doss, who charged into the battle at Hacksaw Ridge, unarmed, to single handedly rescue 75 of his wounded comrades. He saved many lives & was honored for his bravery.
Courage involves a deliberate choice. It involves deeply engaging the mind to assess the situation. Courage recognizes the fear & purposefully taps into an inner strength to press in & persevere through the danger. I’m reminded of the story of Drs. Paul & Margaret Brand, medical missionaries whose heart for those suffering with leprosy in India gave them the courage to overcome their fears by working in & among these outcasts in order to help them. Their courage led to innovative techniques that are still used today.
The story of David & Goliath is found in 1Samuel 17. The details of the account don’t give us specifics on David’s emotional state, but I think there is enough evidence to suggest that David’s actions were not initially the result of bravery. They were the result of implanted courage in the face of unsurmountable odds.
As if the pagan giant’s appearance wasn’t intimidating enough, Goliath attempts to use fearmongering tactics to browbeat David into the same state of fear that Saul & his army are in bondage to. I think he actually felt the emotion of fear, but unlike Saul & his wimpy army, he deliberately chose to overcome the fear by tapping into the Holy Spirit he was filled with when Samuel anointed him. It was the Spirit of the “living God” (vs.26) who rose up within David when he invoked the “Lord of Hosts” (vs.32). I believe it was in that moment that any vestige of fear disappeared & David charged the giant with full confidence in the God he had come to know & worship.
Studying some of the finer details of the story I discovered something transformative about David’s use of this very specific name for God (“Lord of Hosts”).
When King Saul received word that this insignificant, young, shepherd boy was willing to do what neither he nor his soldiers could manage he accepted the offer. In 1Samuel 17:32 David assures the king, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go & fight with this Philistine.” The Hebrew word for “heart” in this verse means “courage.” David has ascertained that Saul’s army is so overcome with fear that they have no courage left to fight. To be courageous means to be strong & hold fast, with fierce resolve, to something in the face of fear.
The ancient Hebrews understood that to be courageous meant more than simply possessing a physical trait; it was an inner strength anchored in the very presence of God. David knew that without God’s presence he would have no courage to face Goliath. God’s presence was the only thing that could overcome fear & enable David to face his enemy with such courage that it resulted in a headless giant filling the bellies of the hungry animals who were waiting patiently for their dinner.
Of all the names for God, why summon the Lord of Hosts at the onset of a battle? To call upon the Lord of Hosts (plural) is to call upon the Lord of Armies (plural). He is the Commander in Chief of a myriad of angel armies that are always ready & at His service. This army, however, is not limited to the angels. All of creation stands ready to hear the call of its Master (Gen.2:1). Every atom, every molecule, every emotion, the sun, moon, stars, rivers, oceans, mountains, animals, & every human (dead & alive) serve the Creator’s purposes. The Lord of Hosts rules & reigns over everything, seen & unseen, in the material & spiritual realms that He created.
When we call upon the Lord of Hosts we, like David, recognize that the battle is much too great for us. We can use the presence of fear as an indicator to humble ourselves as we petition the Lord for His presence, which overrides all fear.
“Thus says the Lord of Hosts, ‘Set your heart to consider your ways.’” (Hag.1:5)
“Thus says the Lord of Hosts, ‘Return to me… that I may return to you.’” (Zech.1:3)
What might happen if we cry out for the Lord of Hosts to come to our aid today?
I’ll tell you what happens: Our fear vanishes & our hearts do not fail. Bravery is not needed because of the implanted presence of the Holy Spirit, who fills us with courage. We will become confident that the God who gave David many victories is the same One who makes every head roll when they defy the armies of the living God.
The Lord of Hosts is with us & fights for us in every battle.
May it be said of us, as it was David, “ “So David went on & became great, & the Lord of Hosts was with him.” (2Sam.5:10)
GloryUsGate.blogspot.com
