We enter now into a study of the life of David. Just as Saul is a picture of the carnal life, David pictures the spiritual life of the believer who trusts in God. It is true that David sinned, as do all men; but, unlike Saul, David confessed his sins and sought to restore his fellowship with God.
The Spirit of God departed from Saul and "an evil spirit from the Lord" began to torment him. Since David played the harp so well, he was called on to play and refresh the harassed king. After the young shepherd-king had soothed Saul and was no longer needed, he returned to his father's sheep.
In chapter 17:26,36, we see references to "the armies of the living God." This made all the difference between David and the rest of the camp. To Saul and his soldiers God was a name, but little else. They believed He had done great things for His people in the past and that at some future time He might do great things again, but no one thought of Him as being omnipresent. David, on the other hand, felt that God was alive! He had lived alone with Him, in the solitude of the hills, until God had become one of the greatest and most real facts of his young existence. He was also sublimely conscious of the presence of the living God in the camp.
Each of us have trials and difficulties--Goliaths--to face in our lives. But we can face the mightiest foe in HIS name. There is no Goliath He cannot quell; no question He will not answer; no need He will not meet!
