When David was just a young man, he killed a giant named Goliath. People revel in victories like David’s. They like to know that it’s not always about who’s bigger, meaner, and better armed. That’s because we all face giants in our lives.

Read Psalm 8. These giants are usually not of the nine-and-a-half-foot variety. The giants I’m talking about are the giants of fear, anxiety, worry, discouragement, and despondency. Sometimes they take the form of addiction, restlessness, envy, bitterness, or anger. But whatever they may be, these giants have one purpose in mind: to render the children of the living God ineffective. So, the question is: How do we defeat these giants?

In our culture, we often try to understand ourselves and the problems we face without understanding God and His purpose for life. Many churches preach messages that encourage people to solve their problems on their own. They offer principles, methods, and formulas to fix the troubles their listeners encounter. But that’s the core of the problem. They leave God out, and He’s the only one who can solve our problems.

After his great triumph over Goliath and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David penned Psalm 8 as a song of victory. That song of victory begins with a recognition of the surpassing majesty of God: “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (v. 1).

David knew who God is. That’s why he could stand with his sling and a few small stones and stare down a mountain of a man, saying, “I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (1 Samuel 17:45). David knew there is power in the name of the Lord. David’s story tells us that when we’re in trouble, we need to call on the name of the God of heaven and trust Him.

Jesus gave His life for us so that the biggest giants in our lives—sin and death—could be defeated once and for all. How much more can we trust Him to give us victory over Satan’s everyday attacks? Whatever your Goliath may be today, praise your God who is bigger, stronger, and wiser than any giant—and proclaim as David did, “Lord, how majestic is Your name!”

Prayer: Lord, thank You for securing my victory in Christ. Help me to live as Your champion with unshakable confidence in You that leads me to declare Your goodness to the world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Having the Right Perspective, Part 2: LISTEN NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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