Remembering the Lion and the Bear

There’s a quiet power in remembering.Before David ever stood before Goliath with a sling and a few smooth stones, he remembered. As he stood before King Saul, trying to convince him that he could face the giant, David didn’t boast about his strength or strategy. He simply recounted what God had already done.

“Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”—1 Samuel 17:36 (ESV)

David remembered the lion. He remembered the bear. And most importantly, he remembered the God who delivered him from both.

There is a fight in all of us—whether we’re facing giants in our homes, in our hearts, or in the world around us. And sometimes, we freeze when we see how big the challenge is. The problem seems too strong. The opposition too loud. The fear too real.But this is when remembering becomes a weapon.

David didn’t walk blindly into battle. He walked forward with a history. He had receipts of God’s faithfulness. Every scar from the lion, every close call with the bear, was a reminder that he didn’t stand alone. The same God who delivered him then was the God who would deliver him now.

So what about you? What lion has God rescued you from?What bear almost took you out, but God came through?

Don’t forget it. Don’t let the noise of today drown out the faithfulness of yesterday.Your past victories—big or small—are not just memories. They are fuel for today’s faith. The enemy wants you to forget them. God wants you to stand on them.Maybe you’re standing in front of a Goliath moment right now.

Maybe it’s fear, uncertainty, sickness, grief, finances, or family struggles. The same God who brought you through that dark season, who made a way where there was no way, who showed up when you were ready to give up—that same God is still with you.

David’s confidence didn’t come from having all the answers. His confidence came from remembrance.

So today, remember the lion. Remember the bear. And keep walking forward in faith. Because God didn’t bring you this far to leave you now.