Goliath thought killing David was going to be an easy task since David was such an inexperienced warrior. Goliath decided to employ a little verbal intimidation before he triumphed over him. He engaged in name- calling, used threatening language, and tried to minimize David's potential - all standard tactics for the effective intimidator. David's response was not at all what Goliath expected. Rather than succumbing to fear, he assertively declared his faith in his God.

David said to the Philistine,

"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head". (1 Samuel 17:45-46)

The intimidator counts on his victim to wilt in the face of a verbal attack. That is why sometimes (when it is safe) you have to let an intimidator know you refuse to be oppressed by him and that you do indeed have the God-given strength to resist his tactics. I don't really respond to intimidation. I tend to rebel against it. While it may be scary to confront intimidating bullies, they will often quickly back down when someone stands up to them.

God has never meant for anyone to oppress or dominate another person. Note that in the Garden of Eden, He gave Adam and Eve dominion over the fish, fowl, and animals - not over each other or other people. (Genesis 1:28).

Although it can be a precursor to--but usually stop short of--physical violence, verbal intimidation can have a severe physical and emotional impact on its target. Many victims suffer from headaches, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, stress, fatigue, low self- esteem, and depression. This is not how God intended His children to affect each other's lives. Intimidators would do well to understand that their communication style only brings resentment and subtle rebellion. they must learn that people are more inspired to connect with someone who will support them in their weaknesses. People need to be encouraged and believed in.

If you are an intimidator, it is time to get in touch with why you feel you need to gain power or control over others. You may need a good professional counselor to help you get to the root cause. Many intimidators grew up in chaotic or otherwise negative environments in which they felt powerless to change their circumstances. They vowed they would never allow their lives to be so out of control again, so they seek control. Others are simply a bundle of insecurities and use intimidation as a way to mask their fears. Whatever the cause, intimidators can never hope to have a meaningful relationship with anyone who is forced into submission. Make a decision today to be careful that you do not engage in intimidation towards others. Choose to speak life and encourage those around you and watch how others respond to you.

Prayer: Lord please help me to be aware of how I respond and react to people. Help me to never intimidate in order to get my way or to control others. Amen.

God Bless You,

Pastor Karen Schatzline