Yahweh Tzevaot Will Fight Your Giants

“David replied to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies [Yahweh Tzevaot]—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” (1 Samuel 17:45, NLT)

“The LORD of Heaven’s Armies [Yahweh Tzevaot] is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:7, NLT)

Several years ago, I lost my mobility for three months. First, I blew my left Achilles tendon. That accident landed me in a knee-high plaster cast. “No weight-bearing whatsoever,” the doctor ordered. I hobbled on crutches for a week, but then my right knee—already compromised by a painful cyst—gave out. That event landed me in a wheelchair.

So, there I was—living in a three-story condo with an upstairs bedroom. Getting there each evening was no small feat. I hoisted myself backwards on my bottom up two flights of stairs, across the floor, onto a stool, and finally, onto my bed.

I spent my daytimes writing to meet three book deadlines and undergoing physical therapy to heal from a subsequent knee surgery.

Stress took its toll, and insomnia struck. Prescription sleeping pills couldn’t match its force, and utter exhaustion left me struggling even to hold a coherent conversation. Two weeks after my cast came off, my body said, “Enough!” and broke into shingles.

Regaining my health was like fighting a giant. The fear of my legs never growing strong panicked me. The fear of never getting another good night’s sleep terrified me. So did the thought of succumbing to another bout of shingles.

Perhaps you can relate. Maybe you’re experiencing a season you would never have chosen. Maybe you’ve lost your spouse or a child. Perhaps you’re facing divorce or financial hardship. Maybe you’ve prayed long and hard for your wayward child to change his ways, or you’re sick and tired of struggling with a secret addiction but scared to ask for help. Whatever your circumstances, the challenges they present loom over you like Goliath towered over David.

In my situation, I discovered that focusing on my fears did nothing to ease my stress, so I had to develop a new focus. God’s Word became my life-ring, and I clung to it as the storm’s waves threatened to drown me.

Reading about David and his response to Goliath reminded me that I didn’t have to be afraid. Here’s why: Yahweh Tzevaot (pronounced “tzeh-vah-OAT”), is the commander-in-chief of heaven’s armies, and He fights on the behalf of those who love Him.

David understood God’s character as revealed through the name Yahweh Tzevaot, and he lived as though he believed it was true. When the giant loomed large and taunted him, David refused to retreat. Instead, he ran toward Goliath in the power of the name of Yahweh Tzevaot, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, and overwhelmingly conquered (1 Samuel 17:41-50).

I chose to follow David’s example and ran toward my giant by exercising to regain my muscle strength. I had to work hard and persevere for months, and eventually my Goliath toppled.

Yahweh Tzevaot is still the commander-in-chief of heaven’s armies, and He remains actively involved in the lives of His children. When a giant looms over us and leaves us trembling in fear, let’s live as though we believe God is who He says He is. Let’s do as David did and refuse to back down. Let’s summon our courage, choose to trust in God, and fight our battle knowing He fights with us and for us.

We are more than conquerors in Yahweh Tzevaot’s care.

Pray:

“Yahweh Tzevaot, we praise You for being commander-in-chief. No enemy can overtake us because You are bigger, wiser, and stronger. Help us not cave into fear when facing our giants. Help us instead to live from the truth of who You are and stand firm in courage and confidence knowing we’re in Your care. In Jesus’ name, amen.”