Daily Devotional | Lions and Bears

A famous line from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz goes like this: “Lions and tigers and bears. Oh my!” Dorothy and her newfound friends repeat this line as they journey through the haunted forest on their way to the Emerald City. It has become a popular phrase used to express fear or anxiety about any situation, since the creatures mentioned invoke dread whenever they are encountered.

In 1 Samuel 17:32–37, we encounter David, a young shepherd, who boldly volunteers to fight the giant Goliath (v. 32). When King Saul expresses doubt, David recounts his past experiences: “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God” (v. 36).

David’s confidence was not based on his physical strength or skills but on his faith in God. He had faced deadly predators before—lions and bears had threatened his flock—and emerged victorious because he relied on God’s strength. These experiences built his faith, preparing him for the ultimate challenge—facing Goliath.

David’s actions teach us that God can use our trials to prepare us for future battles. Each lion and bear David faced was a step in his spiritual journey, strengthening his faith and courage. When we face difficult situations, no matter how daunting, they are opportunities for spiritual growth. They are the training grounds where our faith is stretched and strengthened.

David’s victory over Goliath was not a sudden burst of courage but the result of a faith built over time through smaller battles. Our own faith journeys are similar. By facing our lions and bears with trust in God, we prepare ourselves for greater victories ahead.