Be Yourself

Have you noticed that when we try to be someone or something we’re not, It does not go very well? “Be Yourself,” is indeed wise counsel, but it is not always easy. Our hopes and aspirations coupled with other’s expectations are really good at clouding our minds and hearts. 

So, how do we be ourselves in the face of these often-conflicting realities?

In prayer this week, I was looking in the Bible for some wise counsel. This is almost, if not always, the best place to begin.

I was led back to the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17: 32-51. It is a good example of how these spiritual world views collide bringing varying results. 

Goliath is a literal giant of a warrior. No one wanted to compete hand to hand with him, understandably. His size, and victorious history as a combatant, made him loud and arrogant. His primary maneuver was intimidation, instilling fear.

Goliath was confident in himself and his tactics. 

King Saul did not seem to see beyond the intimidation, to trust the greatness of the God of Israel. In that way Goliath and Saul are similar, stuck in the way we’ve always done it.

The tactics of the two combatants were very different.

David, who opposed Goliath, had to act when he heard the defiant rants of the giant. He could see through the bravado. David would not allow the Lord’s name to be dishonored. 

He was confident in his personal relationship with the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. To this point in his life, David spent much of his time alone with sheep. Living under the stars, he loved worshiping the Lord of all creation. He killed lions and bears with his bare hands, knowing his God was with him. 

David lived his life in close relationship with the One True God. He was not a perfect man, but he knew the perfect God. Samuel describes David as a man after God’s own heart.

For days and weeks, Goliath taunts the Israelites. I’m sure Saul was relieved to find anyone willing to take on this enemy, so he offered the shepherd his full armor. 

Needless to say, it did not fit. It was heavy and it was completely foreign. I suspect David heard God tell him, “Be yourself. Go out like we have together against the wild animals.”

David was used to moving freely. Instead of fighting on Goliath’s terms, or Saul’s, he chose to make the giant bow to God on his terms. The Lord of heaven’s Armies, and David, with one of his five smooth stones and a sling win the day.

By listening to the Lord, trusting their history together, he chose to be himself. The result was unexpected by all but David and the Lord. 

A lot like taking a gun to a sword fight, it was over quickly.

The truth of who the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is, wins over the lies of a giant with his false gods. We can defy the lies by stepping out with the Lord of truth. And to this day, people recount how David killed Goliath because he went with the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 

When you face a giant and feel intimidated, to whom will you look? 

Be like David, leaning into the Lord of Heaven’s Armies to show you who you are. I encourage you to be yourself as you watch the giants fall.