David’s life is a picture of hope! He was the last of eight sons and, it would seem, often neglected in some ways. But while he was still fairly young, the prophet Samuel came to anoint this young shepherd boy as the future king (1 Sam. 16:13). While all those around David saw only a young shepherd boy, God saw a king! But we are reminded in 1 Samuel 16:7, “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” God was looking for a man after His own heart and found it in David (Acts 13:22). But this did not mean that David’s life was problem-free—in fact, just the opposite. But as we follow David’s life through the Scriptures, we learn where he put his trust; his hope was in the Lord.

The first place we learn this is when Goliath opposed the people of God. Everyone was frozen by fear! King Saul and all of his men were afraid to face this nine-foot giant! But David arrives at the battle lines and asks, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Sam. 17:26). When challenged by his own brothers, David responds, “Is there not a cause?” (v. 29 nkjv). And when facing the giant himself David declared, “I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts” (v. 45).

David’s hope was in the Lord, and the Lord gave him the victory! This living hope in a living God marked David’s life, and can mark each of our lives! No matter how intimidating the situation might be, do not let fear reign, but hope in the Lord. He only is your rock and your salvation, your fortress; do not be shaken! Hope in God today and enjoy the victory in Christ!