5 Smooth Stones

Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.

- 1 Samuel 17:40

     We’ve often heard the story of David and Goliath. One of the most remarkable stories in the Bible, and to many an inspirational story to remind us that with God all things are possible..

     After reading this story it dawned on me. A different view of that story. God’s word is living and he will reveal different lessons when needed most.

    Those 5 smooth stones took on such a different meaning as we are facing some extraordinary times here at home. 

     David was offered the kings finest armor to try and tackle the problem that was facing their nation. A problem that seemed to big to overcome. We have many figures in politics and leaders in this country that always have the answer to problems that never get solved. They have the best tech, scientists, and organizations working on problems facing America but the problems grow and it’s putting us in perilous times.

     Those 5 smooth stones though. They’re smooth because they are in the stream and slowly getting worn down by rushing waters, other stones crashing into, them, debris, and sand constantly flowing down the stream and slowly chipping away at the stone until itself becomes silt or sand after years in that stream. No rest or break from the rushing waters.

     Kinda like us. The average everyday American. Everyday getting beat up by everything the world throws at them. Higher prices, lower wages, increase in crime, health and family issues, constantly fighting to keep things together. Life wears people down. While the rest of the country crashes around us.

     David picked 5 smooth stones. He put them in his shepherds bag, then went to face the giant. 

    When I read that, I saw 5 smooth stones, like many of the other stones in the river, worn down, kind of like many of us. But where we see worn down, David saw balance. When we experience all the ills that life throws at us sometimes we forget to say, “I am still here. I’m still standing because of God’s strength, and I am ready for something bigger, because with God’s spirit I will not be broken.”  David put them in the shepherds bag, to get ready for the battle. God is our Shepherd. We need to put ourselves in God’s hands and stop being anxious about the woes and problems to come, and start thinking differently. “Yes it’s going to get worse, no I am not going to be anxious for anything, and Lord wherever there is a huge problem, something I can make a difference in, no matter what it is…Here I am Lord, send me.”

   Family we are those stones in the river. We can, with God’s guidance, make all the difference.

- With God’s Love

E