Another Example of the Power of Words

I have at least three situations going on right now that are overwhelmingly frustrating, even devastating. If I allow them to do so, they turn my world upside down continually.

I’m disoriented, dazed, and confused.  I whine and moan to myself. I wonder if there’s an end to the dark tunnel of misery. I allow myself to speak negatively about my situation to close friends.

Yet, none of these pessimistic words or thoughts helps. They only keep me bound in pessimism.

Rising Above Negativity

In a recent article, I wrote about the power of words. I concentrated on the story of Cinderella, who was most likely showered with negativity by her step family. However, she was brought out of her situation by the loving words of her prince.

Today, I would like to concentrate on a well-known Bible story. It also relates to the theme of achieving victory by believing/speaking optimism instead of pessimism.

David and Goliath

To my mind, this story is one of the most empowering in the whole Bible. It is a great illustration of the following scripture:

“The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.” Proverbs 12:6 (NIV)

In I Samuel 17, the Philistine army is facing the army of Israel. The Philistine giant, Goliath, has issued a general challenge for one-on-one combat.   The young shepherd boy, David, is observing the proceedings.

Eliab

In verse 28, David’s older brother belittles him. Eliab says he has no reason to be there. He also asks him who is tending the “few” sheep over which David has charge.

King Saul

In verse 33, Saul warns David that he is too young and inexperienced for battle. However, when David insists on being allowed to fight, Saul relents.

David goes out to meet Goliath with no armor. His only weapon is a slingshot.

Goliath

In verses 43 and 44, he says, “Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?...I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals.”

David’s response to Goliath is in verses 45-47. It is an amazing example of positive affirmation:

45 “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

46 “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head…”

47 “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lords, and he will give you into our hands.”

By the way, David did cut off Goliath’s head. Some scholars believe that it is buried under the mountain where his descendant, Jesus Christ, was crucified. “Calgary” and “Golgotha” both translate to “place of the skull”. Calgary is Greek and Golgotha is Hebrew.

My Conclusion

My online friend, Robert Fuller, sums up the power of words in this way: “We are what we’re told we are, if we allow ourselves to believe it.”  The story of David and Goliath proves this.  David refused to believe the many voices that told him he wasn’t good enough to slay Goliath.

He didn’t run from his overwhelming challenge. Instead, he ran with confidence toward it, literally, shouting positive affirmations. The rest of the story of the first king to rule over a completely united Israel is, as they say, history.

Do you speak victory?