“Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. 42 He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despisedhim. 43 He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!” 45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 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 17.41-47
From an outward glance, the battle looked entirely like a physical fight: one huge, giant warrior of a man facing a young boy without armor, armed only with a sling and some stones. From this perspective, the odds were certainly in Goliath’s favor. David didn’t stand a chance.
But the battle was not merely physical; it was spiritual. The weapon that David brought to bear wasn’t just five smooth stones or his sling—it was a name: the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel. David’s weapon wasn’t something man could build; it didn’t depend on human strength. It was spiritual, otherworldly, and came from God.
When we read this story as children, we often skipped over verse 45 and focused on David. He is seen as the hero of the story. But in truth, he is simply a vessel of the Lord. God is at center stage—the hero, the victor. David came in the name of the Lord, not in his own name, abilities, or wisdom. On his own, David brought very little with him, and any skills he had were already gifts from God.
There is another name that brings power: the name of Jesus. Philippians 2:10 reminds us, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” In truth, it is the same name that David brought. God’s name is one and the same—the name above all names, the beautiful name that contains power, truth, and love.
Perhaps today, you need to call upon the name of Jesus. You might be facing giants, and although you might have some abilities of your own, you cannot defeat them without God on your side. Call upon His name: “Lord Jesus, come help me.” Cry out to God: “Lord, I beg for your help!” Seek the One who has been seeking you since your birth. The same God who gave David the ability to overcome Goliath knows your name—and He loves you.
“O Lord God, it’s a windy day in January. It’s a new year with new opportunities. I pray, Lord, that we might rely upon You this year, that we might seek Your face, and that we might call on Your name to rescue us from the pit of destruction. By Your name, may we find life. Come now, Holy Spirit. I love Your name. Fill me with Your power, for You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.