Finding Confidence In the Lord

By Gabi Bemis

“When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, ‘Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.’ ‘Now what have I done?’ said David. ‘Can’t I even speak?’ He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before.”—1 Samuel 17:28–30 (NIV)

Have you ever been the recipient of someone’s verbal attack? Have you ever lashed out at someone in anger? Harsh words and tone may hurt, but they often reveal more than just anger—they expose something deeper about a person’s heart.

Earlier in the story, we see that Samuel was used by God to anoint the next king of Israel. He went to Jesse’s house and, much to everyone’s surprise, none of his sons who were present were chosen. David, the youngest, who wasn’t even invited to the meeting, was God’s chosen king. Can you imagine how David’s brothers might have felt?

Now, we get a glimpse into Eliab’s heart—David’s older brother—and the jealousy and contempt he had developed for him. When David was sent by his father to bring food to his brothers on the battlefield, Eliab accused David, assuming the worst about his intentions. Eliab’s actions reveal his heart: jealousy, contempt, and insecurity. Instead of celebrating his brother’s calling, he felt threatened. He allowed bitterness to take root, choosing to stand against his brother rather than with him.

Meanwhile, David’s response demonstrates humility, steadfastness, and wisdom. He diffuses his brother’s anger with a rhetorical question about his prior inquiry. David then shifts focus to the real issue—asking the men about the one who dared to defy the God of Israel and what would be done for the man who defeated the giant. Despite the accusations and criticism, David remained focused on the giant and what God had positioned him to do, rather than on someone else’s opinion of him.

These verses remind us to examine our hearts and avoid letting jealousy, fear, or insecurity fester against others. When we see God blessing someone else, we can respond with joy, trusting in what He’s doing in their life. This joy is rooted in the Lord and the confidence that He’s also working in our lives to faithfully give us what we need. God had a specific plan for David’s life and a calling for Eliab as well, but by focusing on what he didn’t have, Eliab missed the opportunity to see what he had been given and what God wanted to do in his life. It’s no different for us.

This passage also challenges us to remain steadfast in our calling despite criticism. When we pursue God’s work, we’ll face criticism and opposition, even from those closest to us. We must have the discernment to prioritize God’s voice over the opinions of others. David wasn’t swayed by his brother’s accusations; instead, he kept his attention on what truly mattered.

In times of opposition, may we, Like David, find our anchor and confidence in God, and may our hearts live out the truth David wrote in Psalm 27:1 (NIV), which says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

Pause: Do we care more about what people think or will say about us than what God thinks about us? How do we respond to criticism or accusations by others?

Practice: Share with a friend or mentor something you feel God is calling you to do or step into. Ask them for prayer and counsel on how to hear God’s voice about this matter.

Pray: Lord, thank You that You’re my light and salvation, the one I can go to for help when I’m afraid. You silence the voice of the enemy and my accusers and place me in heights where I’m safe with You. Fix my eyes on You and the calling You’ve placed on my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.