June 22 | Psalm 23:4, 1 Samuel 17:1-11, 32-50

Elaine Pierce
Jun 21, 2025
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

By Elaine Pierce

Comfort in the midst of Conflict

This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head...the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands. (I Samuel 17:46-47).

Do these sound like the words of a person who is confident in his own abilities to be successful? David was a teenager, the youngest son, a lowly shepherd who spent his days protecting his sheep herd from lions and bears. But he had a deep and abiding trust in Yahweh, the God of the Universe. On paper, he was certainly no match for the Philistine giant, Goliath. This match would certainly prove disastrous for the nation of Israel against the powerful Philistines.

We all know how this turned out, don't we? David killed Goliath with one smooth stone, and his reign of terror was over. The words in Psalm 23 certainly resonate in this situation:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 2:4)

So often I fail to remember that God is with me in the midst of fearful times. All of us will experience times of doubt, fear, and loss. When those times come - and they will - let's hold onto David's example. He didn't trust in his own abilities, but he was confident that God would deliver him.

When Shadrach, Meshach and Abendego refused to bow down to worship King Nebuchadnezzar, he was furious. He ordered them thrown into a blazing furnace. What was their response?

O, Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to now, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. (Daniel 3:16-18).

Again, God rescued these brave, faithful men. What trials are your facing? God will be with you. He will comfort you. You may not receive the answer you are hoping for, but he will be with you. May it ever be so.

PRAYER

Lord, so often I take matters into my own hands, thinking that I have the skills and ability to succeed. All I have come from you. Help me each day to seek your face and your comfort, for you long for me to trust you and abide in you. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!