1 Samuel 17:48 When the Philistine (Goliath) drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, striking down the Philistine and killing him… 52 The troops of Israel and Judah rose up with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron… 54 David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armor in his tent.

How many times have I read this story? I don’t know. Many. And yet today I saw something I’d never noticed before in the last verse of our passage, “but he put his armor in his tent”. David kept the armor of Goliath as a momento – a reminder – of the great victory God gave to him and the army of Isreal that day. I wonder if he kept it out on display or in storage somewhere. I don’t know, but I hope it was displayed.

I’d like to think David may have stopped and pondered Goliath’s armor on days when things were going against him, when his enemies appeared ready to pounce, when his friends were turning away from him, when the only hope he had in this world was the hope that God might – again – come through.

I’m wondering this morning what visible reminders I have in my surroundings, to help me remember the goodness and faithfulness of God. I think I could use more of them. What about you? Lord let it be so. Amen.