Learning to trust God

You may struggle to believe that the Lord will provide for your daily needs. Perhaps you're facing an overwhelmingly difficult trial—one which exhausts your resources. Or perhaps you wonder if He will ever fulfill your heart's desire in a particular area.

Lets look at the story of David and Goliath...

The story of David and Goliath illustrates the
importance of trusting the Lord completely—
especially when we face overwhelming
challenges. The Israelite army was at war with
the Philistines. For 40 days, a fierce warrior
named Goliath had challenged the Israelites to
send a soldier to fight him man to man. Since no
one responded to his challenge, the Philistine
ridiculed them. The entire Israelite army—
including the king—was terrified of this giant,
who was not only an experienced fighter but
more than nine-feet tall.
In contrast, David focused on the spiritual
nature of the battle. He asked, “Who is this
uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt
the armies of the living God?” (1 Sam. 17:26).
Later, he told Goliath, “This day the LORD will
deliver you up into my hands . . . that all the earth
may know that there is a God in Israel, and that
all this assembly may know that the LORD does
not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is
the LORD’S” (1 Sam. 17:46-47). After declaring his
victory, David killed the giant with one stone
from his slingshot.With their champion defeated,
the Philistine army quickly lost heart—enabling
the Israelites to overtake them and win the battle.
A shepherd boy with no armor, no shield, no
sword, and no javelin—armed with only five
smooth stones—was able to triumph over a much
larger, well-equipped, and experienced warrior.
That’s the power of faith in the one true God.

The secret of David's success was his ability to trust and obey God. How can you have the same kind of faith?

1. Recall past victories.

What triumphs did David remember (1 Sam. 17:32-37)?


How did these victories give him confidence against Goliath?


List a few victories from your own life that could serve as reminders of how God worked through you in the past.


2. Reject discouraging words.

No one from the Israelite camp encouraged David in his quest to defeat Goliath.

All of them saw a young, inexperienced man instead of someone God could work through. Why? They looked at David from man's perspective instead of the Lord's.

As this story demonstrates, some of our worst opposition and discouragement may come from those who should be on our side, such as family members or fellow believers.

Describe how you can respond when others give worldly counsel instead of encouraging you to obey the Lord.


3. Recognize the true nature of the conflict.

Whatever adversary you face, the real enemy is Satan. He wants to defeat you and discourage you from serving God. Certainly, you have a responsibility to address the practical aspects of your difficult situation. But remember that behind each challenge is a spiritual war. For instance, while you seek medical treatment, you might also need to wage a spiritual battle against discouragement and fear.

What do you think the Father wants His children to remember in the midst of conflict?


4. Respond to the challenge with a positive declaration of faith.

David asked the fearful Israelites, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (v. 26). To Saul, he said, "The LORD … will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (v. 37). And in answer to Goliath's ridicule: "I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel" (v. 45). David firmly declared his belief. He wouldn't lose, because the Almighty was with him.

The Scriptures are full of promises: for guidance (Ps. 32:8), God's help (121:1-2), hope (Ps. 16:9), joy (Ps. 43:4), mercy (Ex. 20:6), the Father's care (1 Peter 5:6-7) and peace (John 16:33)— to name just a few.

Choose a verse that speaks to your need, and write it below.


When worry or frustration builds, recite encouraging scriptures aloud to yourself. Your faith will grow, and so will your peace.

5. Rely on the power of God.

David knew it wasn't his own reputation on the line; he also knew it was not his strength that would win the battle. Glory and victory belonged to the Lord alone.

What did David believe Goliath's defeat would show everyone who watched (v. 47)?


In John 15:5, Jesus said, "He who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." In other words, we can do nothing of spiritual value unless we depend on Christ to work through us.

What would it look like for you to rely on Jesus in your present trials?


Conclusion: Every challenge presents an opportunity for the Father to display His faithfulness and love. Instead of yielding to thoughts of fear and failure, make a commitment to trust Him, even when you don't know what tomorrow will bring. Yes, you may experience failure, and life may not always turn out as you planned. But ultimately, God will be glorified, and you will be blessed.