Carpe diem

So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. – 1 Samuel 17v48-49

There is so much about David’s character in this story that blesses, challenges, and convicts me. Even after all that we have seen already, there are a couple more things that we can note.

The time for the battle had come. Goliath came to the hill like he had for forty plus days to call out a challenger. When he saw Goliath he mocked him. He accused David of coming to get him like he would a lost dog. David had already sought council, he had made a decision, he prepared, he gave God credit for the victory that was about to take place. David had laid it on the line. He had made it clear that the victory was not going to be his in any regard, but God’s alone.

Anyway, Goliath moved forward to deal with this little pest. Surely this kid would be quickly eliminated. He was used to the army running when he challenged. Today would be no different.

How surprised he must have been when David came rushing at him! Before he could respond David had a stone in his shepherds sling and it was on its way. Goliath had no time to respond and the stone hit him in his forehead and killed him!

What I like though is David’s attitude. Once the decision was made and preparations done he did not hesitate. Carpe diem was his motto when it came to this fight.

One of my greatest struggles is procrastination, especially from an unpleasant task. I prefer carpe tomorrowem. I know that is not Latin, but it makes my point. David ran to the battle, I might not run, but I am tempted to put it off a little longer.

No matter what the nature of our giants, now is the time to deal with them. The more we put it off the harder the fight.

Carpe diem – seize the day.