David’s Life
I’ve always been intrigued by David. I mean, who wouldn’t be? After all, God called him “a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14.) That’s some pretty high praise when it’s coming from Someone who’s perfect. In fact, in the entire Bible, which consists of 31,102 verses, no one ever received that same compliment. It’s definitely worth looking into David’s life and seeing why he deserved that designation.
David’s Life
We’re first introduced to David in 1 Samuel 16, where God tells the prophet Samuel to go to the house of Jesse and anoint one of his sons’ king. Samuel, as per God’s orders, anoints the youngest son David. We can see by reading this section of David’s life that God can use whomever he wishes to accomplish His purposes, even a lowly shepherd.
Now David didn’t become king right away. He first graciously served Saul by playing music for him. David knew that he would eventually become the next ruler, and he trusted God’s timing.
Fast forward a little bit, and we meet David again. This time, however, he’s caring for his flock. His father, Jesse, asks him to go and see his brothers in the Valley of Elah. David’s brothers were “fighting” against the Philistines, and Jesse wanted David to check on their welfare and deliver some food to them (1 Samuel 17:17-19.) You probably know how this story goes. David arrives at the camp, checks on his brothers, and then hears Goliath’s taunt to the Israelites. David can hardly believe his ears! This guy has the audacity to defy the armies of the living God, and no one is doing anything about it. David refused to continue listening to Goliath’s mockery, so he went against the normal, rejected personal comfort, and stood up for what he knew to be right. Ultimately, David recognized his dependency on God and slayed Goliath with only a slingshot and three stones.
One of the most amazing aspects of this story is that David wasn’t looking to be a hero. He was simply being obedient to his father. God used his obedience for greater purposes. The same can be true for you and me. We often don’t know exactly what God has prepared for us, but we do know what His Word commands. When we obey the Bible, we’re pursuing God’s will.
Let’s get back into the story. Saul recognized that the Lord had departed from him and had gone to be with David. This frightened Saul, and so he sent David away and gave him control of one thousand men. David continued to prosper in all his battles because the Lord was with him. David’s life most certainly wasn’t easy, however. Saul directly tried to kill him three separate times, but David continued to serve Saul because that was where God had placed him.
Eventually, though, David had to flee because Saul would not stop endeavoring to kill him. Saul sent troops after David numerous times, but they were never successful in their attempts to catch him. After some more time had passed, David became a leader of about four hundred men (1 Samuel 22:2.) He wasn’t hasty or impulsive, and he consulted God before making any big decisions. David also respected God’s authority even when it didn’t benefit him. For example, David actually had the opportunity to kill Saul, which would enable him to become king and put an end to his life on the run. However, David chose not to because Saul was “the Lord’s anointed one” (1 Samuel 24:6.)
At the age of thirty, David finally became ruler over all of Israel (2 Samuel 5:4.) Now it’s speculated that David was anointed king before the age of fifteen, which means he spent AT LEAST a decade and a half waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled. David’s waiting was not wasted, however. He learned many valuable lessons such as leadership by serving, humility, dependency on God, trust in God, and obedience to God. God used that chapter in David’s life as preparation for an even greater one.
Live it out!
Whether we realize it or not, God’s doing the same thing for you and me. The seasons of life that we’re currently in are not permanent. Everything that we go through can be seen as training. Your story probably won’t end like David’s, but you can rest knowing that God always blesses obedience. If not in this life, then definitely in the life to come.
So be like David: sieze every opportunity to glorify God, and think of seasons of waiting as a chance to grow in sanctification.