February 22

Past Deliverance Begets Faith

David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.” — 1 Sam 17:37 BSB

Though this may not be a direct promise in words, it is a promise in its essence. David spoke a truth that the Lord confirmed by making it real. David reasoned that because God had delivered him in the past, He would surely help him in his current danger. In Christ, all the promises are “Yes” and “Amen” to the glory of God through us, and so the Lord’s past dealings with His people will be repeated.

Let us, therefore, recall the Lord’s past kindness. We could not have hoped to deliver ourselves in past troubles, yet the Lord delivered us. Will He not save us again? We are confident that He will. Just as David ran to meet his enemy, so will we. The Lord has been with us, He is with us, and He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Why should we be afraid? Was the past a mere dream? Think of the lion and the bear that David faced—who is this Philistine? He may not be exactly the same, but God is the same, and His honor is just as involved now as it was then. He did not save us from lesser dangers only to let a giant defeat us. Let us take courage.