“David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the sheath. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. Their dead were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. When the Israelites returned from chasing the Philistines, they plundered their camp.” 1 Samuel 17:51-53

Dear Savior, I am reminded today of my own fears when it comes to your holy name, when it comes to your holy truth. Your name is often dragged through the mud, challenged, and defied in so many different ways. Sometimes I stand there and keep my mouth shut thinking that it’s better to say nothing in this situation. Sometimes I keep my mouth shut afraid of a fight. I confess how I have shrunk to defend your name and to speak up against those who defy it. Forgive me, dear Savior! Little David reminds me of how you completely trampled on and cut off the head of the Enemy who defied your name and tried to destroy me and all of your people. He reminds me of your victory of the cross. That victory of yours on the cross erases my sin and raises me up to surge forward. Let today be a day of surging forward against the hosts of hell. Let today be a day of strong fighting against the sinful urges in me that would keep my mouth closed. Let today be a day of drowning my sinful nature in me and not of standing idly by while it works its wickedness. Let today be a day of surging forward to rescue others from the jaws of this great enemy who has been nullified. Let today be a day of surging forward. Amen.