All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord 

Saves; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give all of you into our hands. 

1 Samuel 17:47 NIV 

My ten-year-old loves playing the game Battleship with her dad. They both have quite different approaches to trying and mastering the game. Our daughter just randomly places her battleships anywhere on the board. My husband ponders and tries to think strategically as to where to place his pieces. The outcome may surprise you as my daughter usually wins the game. 

Facing battles reminded me of the well-known Bible story about David and Goliath. David’s approach to the battleground was vastly different from Goliath’s approach. Goliath was all decked out in heavy scaled armor, holding a bronze javelin, and accompanied by a shield bearer to hold his massive shield. David boldly faced the giant with no armor, no shield, no helmet—only a sling and a few smooth stones. 

The difference between these two was that David was certain of the outcome. Goliath would be dead. David knew it was the Lord’s battle as he boldly proclaimed, “...for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give all of you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:47). 

We can also see his assurance in the Lord when we read Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” 

How are you facing your battles? 

Do you have the assurance that the battle belongs to the Lord? 

To quote the lines from the Michael W. Smith song: Surrounded (Fight my Battles) 

This is how I fight my battles 

Just when you think you’re lost 

It may look like I’m surrounded but I’m surrounded by You 

Have you trusted God to surround you? 

Charity O