“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Sammuel 17:37

Working doubly hard in November, I bought and wrapped all my Christmas gifts by the first of December. Conquering that major hurdle made December feel like there was time for everything: fun gatherings with friends, meaningful time with God, and great memory-making activities with my kids. It was one of the best Advents and Christmases yet!

Oh, how radically different January and February have been!

I realize now that another reason why December was so great is I ignored a lot of have-to’s and kicked A LOT of cans down the road into January. That has now bled over into February, and I am still on the hamster wheel of trying to catch up.

I woke up this morning and automatically felt defeated. How was I ever going to climb up and over the monumental to-do list that was waiting for me? Then I read 1 Samuel 17 in my prayer time and got an attitude adjustment.

Goliath was a giant and the hero of the Philistines. He immobilized entire armies by sheer intimidation. When everyone else was too afraid to fight him, a young shepherd boy named David stepped forward to do so.

When King Saul tried to talk David out of it, David recounted how he’d killed a lion and a bear when defending and protecting his sheep.

Yes, those experiences gave David confidence in his own abilities. But seeing how God rescued him in those circumstances is what really gave him certainty that he would triumph in the end with Goliath.

Reflecting on the fact that David conquered a lion, a bear, and Goliath puts things in perspective for me. Sure, I have a giant of a to-do list to tackle, but it’s no snarling and fierce beast that wants to kill me.

I’ve also been here before a gazillion times. With God’s help, I’ve conquered umpteen Goliath tasks in the past. They’re reminders that I have God on my side, and He always sees me through. He will help me again and again, and what needs to get done will get done.

If you’re overwhelmed by things that seem larger than life right now, have no fear. Take a moment to reflect back upon all the giants God has already helped you conquer. Arm yourself with those experiences and then armor yourself with God. You will overcome again. God will see you through.

Questions for Reflection:

  *Is there something that is overwhelming me right now?
  *When I reflect back, can I see similar situations that I have overcome?
  *Do I trust that God has my back and will see me through again?