When the Giants Win the Battle

David and Goliath.  A favorite of many children and adults alike. 

Yet, I'm coming to the realization it is often the exception, not the norm: this defeating the giant. 
It is of course a confidence bolstering, faith building, leave the pews praising story. It's a story we need about a battle won. But what about all the lost battles? 

After reading 1 Chronicles Chapter Ten my struggle with David and Goliath seems validated. My struggle is not with the account per se, but our seeming focus upon it at the expense of avoiding the lost battles. 

In 1 Chronicles Chapter Ten Saul and the Israelites face the Phillistines yet again, and this time things go much differently. Saul, his sons, and many warriors fought their last battle that day. Saul is said to have died because of his unfaithfulness. The same is not said for his sons or all the valiant men who also perished. 

This time the giant won. 

The people are left with nothing but the bones and burial of their king. 

Still, God was there: even in the loss. They are no less his people or any less loved by him. Yet, they suffered great defeat, loss, and pain. He saw. 

The battle and its aftermath were bloody, violent, fearsome, chaotic, and bleak. It wasn't over in a day. Life doesn't move as quickly or tidy as chapters do. God's people had time to sit in the pain and loss with sweat and blood mixed with tears. There was time when they couldn't see and didn't know the good yet to come. (David's kingship was birthed from the death of his king and his best friend.) Even if they could have known, hope doesn't erase hurt. Battle scars are permanent. Hurt lingers in the shadows of hope. The scars of sorrow are only healed in the light of Heaven. 

That's a hard place to be. 

I know. 

Why don't we talk more about the lost battles? Why do we seemingly assume we are the "Davids" and not the "Sauls", "Jonathans", or even the valiant men sent to collect the bodies and burry them. These men were sent to sift through the carnage of battle in attempts to bring closure. Isn't this more the norm? 

I suppose the suffering of loss doesn't render people bolstered, built, and singing quite so much. 

Or does it? 

It can. It would be in the minor key of suffering, and sadly that's not comfortable for our culture. 

Is that what we want? To be no different from our culture? Do we want cultural Christianity when it comes to our approach (or avoidance) of the lost battles of suffering. 

Yes, we know the war is won and we are ever so thankful for that. This stirs hope which enables us to endure the losses, decimations, and times the giants win the battle. Nevertheless, some battles are lost.

I want my children to know, I want you to know,  and I need to know my God is still with me even when I'm surrounded by the aftermath of a lost battle. God did not fail or forsake the Israelites. He does not fail or forsake his people today. He did not fail or forsake me when my precious daughter died. He has not failed or forsaken you on whatever battlefield you find yourself.

 The story of David and Goliath is wonderful and we need to hear about it. I am grateful for it. I'm thankful some people have the David moments when God is magnified in the defeat of the giant before them. But I'm finding I identify much more with the lost battles. He can be magnified here as well. 

This song has been so meaningful to me these past seven months after I threw the rock at the giant and he laughed. Death (the enemy) mocks me, but He cannot steal the story God has written.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVCsJaPkvug