Hello Sweet friends,
Today’s Reading … Psalm 56, 120, 140-142, 17, 35, 54, 63, 18 and 1 Samuel 25-31
For the next several days, we will be reading the story of King David, a man after God’s own heart.
“No-one found anywhere in God’s Word is as multifaceted as David-the shepherd boy, the court musician, the soldier, the true friend, the outcast captain, the king, the great general, the loving father, the poet, the sinner, the broken-hearted old man, but always a lover of God. David was a man after God’s own heart not because he boasted perfection, but because he confessed imperfections” (What the Bible is All About).
In 1 Samuel, we see God preparing David to be the king. David was only 18 when Samuel anointed him. After this divine appointment was made, David continued to shepherd his father’s sheep. This picture of patience is inspiring. As an impulsive person by nature, I learn from David that when God calls me, I still need to wait on His timing. God used David’s time as a shepherd to shape the heart of a brave warrior as he fought lions and bears to defend his father’s sheep. What a beautiful foreshadowing of the battles David would fight to defend the Israelites, even more, the evil from which our Good Shepherd defends daily. Additionally, during this time, God molds David’s heart to be gentle and in tune with His own. As a musician, he sang praises and prayers to God in all the moments of His life. We know that prayer is our source of power and without it we can do nothing. David’s humility and dependence on God is apparent throughout the book of Psalms.
In His perfect timing, God promotes David to high command in the army. Saul, who has run from God, is overcome with jealousy and makes five attempts to kill David. God protected David from all of these attacks. These stories are reminiscent of Joseph, “what you intended for evil, God used for good.” In all of these trials, God continues to draw David closer to Himself. David learned how to handle men and himself. This was all in preparation for the throne.
In steep contrast, we see Saul, running from God and fighting to hold onto earthly control and power. David, on the other hand, is forced to physically run from Saul but is, at all times, running straight into the arms of God. As was previously stated, David was not a perfect man. In the coming days, we will hurt with David as he suffers the consequences of his sins. He is, however, a humble servant of God who is quick to heed His call, “Stop running and return to Me.”
Love to you all,
Kinsee
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty, but accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”(Isaiah 55:11).
