The Longing in Me: A Study on the Life of DavidSample

Longing to Be Protectedn

Even though King David seriously messed up many times, he had an out-loud, honest, vibrant relationship with God. Even when as a young boy he tended sheep by himself, he was clearly never alone. He knew who his protector was, and he didn’t hesitate to share his heart and emotions with God.

Some of David’s psalms would never have made it into our twenty-first century church libraries. There’s something about David’s honesty that we need to press into, to dig deep to find. David never hid from God. He knew in the depths of his being that the only one he could run to for protection was the Lord.

David was completely convinced that the unseen God was the only one worth pursuing—the only one whose protection mattered. And because he had experienced firsthand God’s constant care and presence, he could—and would—face giants. David, in fact, had already become a giant slayer long before he ever confronted Goliath. He had learned that no matter what life threw at him or how big the obstacles were in his life that was facing at the moment, God was always bigger.

The same is true for us. God is our protector. He is our hiding place. He is with those who turn to him in prison, and those who turn to him in the pews, and in parking spots, and in private bedrooms across the earth. He is there for everyone who turns to him in faith.

The Goliaths in your life may seem insurmountable, like great mountains. You wake up in the morning, and the first thing that hits you is the reality that the mountain is still there. When you finally fall in bed at night, worry creeps in with you, reminding you of the same insurmountable mountain. If you don’t challenge it in the name of the Lord, fear will occupy more and more territory of your heart and mind.

For this reason, you need to confront every Goliath in your life and believe that God will be your protector. David sang out what he knew was true so it would be louder than any fear that tried to sneak in the back door of his heart. That’s not a bad idea! Fear didn’t stop David, and we mustn’t let it stop us. Young David learned that when everyone else failed him, God would always protect him. Likewise, when our longing for a father’s protection is directed toward God, we’ll never be left empty and alone.

Whoever your Goliaths may be, God can give you all the courage and strength you need to face your fears. Remember, the battle is the Lord’s. The ship is his to steer and bring safely home. Your job is to show up and be brave!

God is raising up for himself a ragtag band of followers who are tired of listening to the bellyaching of the Goliaths in their lives—and who are ready to come against those giants in the name of the Lord!

Respond

When you are faced with a Goliath-sized problem, in what ways is your response shaped by your fear? In what ways is it shaped by your faith?

How has God been there for you in the past—providing for you, protecting you, healing you, and giving you grace and forgiveness?

How can God’s promises in Scripture to be with you, guide you, protect you, and strengthen you give you confidence in his continual presence and protection?