There are days where I have felt completely overwhelmed. I get caught up in the problems at hand or the problems of others, or the unexpected circumstances that are out of my control. I get caught in “survival mode” and find it hard demonstrate the trust and faith in God that I often speak of or encourage others to have in difficult times. But I admit that each time I have felt this sense of overwhelm it is because I have shifted my focus from God to my problem. I allow myself to try and face these situations from the place of personal opinion rather than relying on God’s Word.

In 1 Samuel 17, the people of Israel found themselves not only overwhelmed, but terrified of the literal giant they were facing. It is very likely that I would have been experiencing the same feelings of fear and hopelessness as I looked at this 10-foot-tall giant, wearing 125 pounds of armor! Not only did Goliath carry a giant sword to kill those who dared to fight him, but the iron spearhead alone weighed 15 pounds! Goliath was completely self-confident that he had this battle won, but he obviously didn’t know how big and powerful David’s God was! There was no comparison, however the Israelites had allowed themselves to get distracted by what they were seeing instead of trusting the One who was fighting for them.

Are you feeling overwhelmed today? What are you facing that is making you feel afraid, powerless, and defeated? Perhaps you, like the Israelites, are trying to run from your “giant” or hiding in hopelessness. The word overwhelm means to “bury or drown beneath a huge mass”. Perhaps you are drowning in feelings of guilt and shame for something you have said or done. Maybe you are feeling overpowered by the sin or addiction that is raging against you. Are you allowing your feelings of insecurity to distract you and shift your focus?

There is good news for us today. Nothing can compare to our God! He wants to fight for you and free you from the fear you are trapped in. He wants you to trust him and claim the abundant life that we have in Jesus. Let our response to our “giants” echo David when he said, “I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies… Today the Lord will conquer you… and the whole world will know that the Lord rescues his people… This is the Lord’s battle” (1Sam. 17:45-47).

Suggested prayer: Heavenly Father, You are Almighty, and no one compares to you. You go before me and will give me the victory over the giants in my life when I place my trust completely in You. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    Isaiah 40:25-26 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.