Then Came David

What if you could step into the pages of Scripture and stand where one of the most famous battles in history took place?

That’s exactly what we experienced as we stood in the Valley of Elah, the very place where a young shepherd named David faced the giant Goliath thousands of years ago.

As I looked across the valley, I couldn’t help but imagine the scene. On one hillside stood the Philistine army. On the other, the Israelites. In the valley below, a giant warrior challenged God’s people day after day while fear gripped the nation.

Then came David.

Armed with nothing more than a sling, five smooth stones, and unwavering faith in God, he stepped onto the battlefield and declared:

“The battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17:47).

And that’s what makes this account so powerful. It’s not ultimately a story about a boy defeating a giant. It’s a story about a great God displaying His power, faithfulness, and glory.

Though Psalm 115 was written long after David’s battle, its words capture the lesson of the Valley of Elah perfectly:

“Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 115:1)

Every giant we face—whether fear, loss, uncertainty, illness, or disappointment—reminds us of the same truth: God’s faithfulness is greater than our greatest challenge.

And when victory comes, the credit belongs exactly where David said it did…

To the Lord.