Text:
1 Samuel 17:1-11
Memory Verse:
“When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid” (1 Samuel 17:11).
Hearing the right words makes a lot of difference to any life. Hearing is the means by which everyone receives words that are spoken. Spoken words have so much power, energy and ability to affect people. They can heal, hinder, harm, humiliate or energise. Words are the singular, most powerful force made available to man. They are more powerful than guns because they can influence, inspire and motivate. ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue…’ (Proverbs 18:21a). The words you hear determine whether you will live or not.
The Philistine armies gathered for battle at Sochoh, led by their champion – Goliath. The Israelites, led by king Saul, also gathered on the other side of the mountain. Goliath stood and spoke to the armies of Israel, telling them what he could and would do to them (1 Samuel 17:8-10). When Saul and his men heard his words, they were terrified and lost all hope, despite the fact that they had the Most High God on their side. Goliath said these words for forty days, morning and evening, until David confronted him in the name of the Lord and got the victory.
What do you hear today? What words or music do you listen to? Are they words that build up and encourage? ‘So, then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God’ (Romans 10:17). Seek to hear the word of God. By that, your faith will be increased to win the battles of life.
Prayer Points:
1. O Lord, help me to keep hearing Your word at all times.
2. Father, take away every negative word working against my life.
