As I pondered on the not so heroic chapters written on David’s life, and in the life of others throughout the Word of God, this is what I penned:

It is when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, exposed, and share our not so heroic stories, we encourage others and give them the strength to press on. 

Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM!

David arose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.  The servants of Achish said to him, Is not this David, the king of the land?  Did they not sing one to another of him in their dances:  Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?  David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish king of Gath.  And he changed behavior before them. And pretended to be insane in their [Philistine] hands, and scribbled on the gate doors, and drooled on his beard.  Then said Achish to his servants, You see the man is mad.  Why then have you brought him to me?  Have I need of madmen,  that you bring this fellow to play the madman in my presence?  Shall this fellow come into my house? 1 Samuel 21:10-15 AMPC

Picture this.  David.   Worshipper.  Psalm Writer.  Slayer of the giant.  Warrior.  Anointed to be king.  Now, pretending to be insane. 

Then a little later David decides to go live in enemy territory to get away from his enemy (Saul). 

But David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul.  There is nothing better for me than that I should escape into the land of the Philistines. 1 Samuel 27:1a AMPC

Here we have examples of a man’s life filled with interesting moments, to say the least. Yet, nestled inside these stories is a word of encouragement.   We can be encouraged.

Encouraged because David’s past did not determine his future.   Encouraged because nothing David did stopped God from allowing David to become king.  None of it stopped God’s purpose for David’s life from being fulfilled.   

Father,
Thank You for these words of encouragement.  Thank You that we are not discounted based on our past.  Thank You that our past does not determine our future.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

​Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM!
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In 1 Samuel 24, Saul goes into a cave not knowing David and his men are in the same cave.  While Saul is sleeping, David cuts off the skirt of Saul’s robe and afterward David is remorseful because of what he has done.

He said to his men, the LORD forbid that I should do this to my master, the LORD’s anointed…when he is the anointed of the LORD.  (excerpt from 1 Samuel 24:6)

Wow! Bet David’s men had to think about that.  I imagine they are thinking this guy has hunted you down like a dog and here is your chance to get rid of him and you what? 

​Saul then leaves the cave without even realizing what has happened. David goes out of the cave and calls Saul.  David addresses Saul as my lord the king and David stooped with his face to the earth and bowed.

Basically, in my words, David says, “Man, if I wanted to kill you, you would’ve been dead! But God chose you.  You are a king by Divine right.  I honor God.”

Now, get this.  David had yet another opportunity to hurt or kill Saul.  The second time David takes some of Saul’s things and then presents them back to Saul.  Kind of like saying, “Gotcha again!”

David had opportunity to kill Saul twice and both times he didn’t because David saw things from the perspective of much greater than himself.  David did not allow any negative seed to even germinate in his heart.  Possibly a seed of bitterness or a seed of revenge.  It didn’t matter what was going on.  It didn’t matter what Saul did, how Saul was was acting or reacting, David honored God.  David’s character, even towards someone who wanted him dead, was to honor God. 

In closing, I leave you with these words of inspiration.  Let your life honor God even if you have to do it alone.

​Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM!

There came a time when Saul’s jealousy got the best of him.  In fact, at one point, he demoted David.  See 1 Samuel 18:12-16

Guess what?  That did not matter to David. 

So, I thought about how I would act in this situation.  I’m doing a great job and making my boss look A-MAY-ZING. 🤣 And then I am demoted because the people are speaking about my accolades more than the leaders.   I remain under the leader but pushed much further down the food chain.  Do I quit?  Do I begin to look for another position?  Do I have an attitude? Do I not perform like I used to?   I mean what is the point!  

Or do I trust in God and do what I am purposed to do, at that time, and allow God to work it out?

Tough pill to swallow.  No doubt.   But that’s it.  Trust in God as we allow God to work.   

David trusted in God and allowed God to work it all out and in the end David became king. What looked like a demotion was just part of God’s plan.  

David knew God controlled his destiny.   Man has no control over our destiny.  Even when they think they do. 

So, no matter what, trust in God and watch Him work 😉

Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM!

So, I was thinking what are the requirements needed to be a shepherd?  What makes a great warrior?  What about a king?

​What I noticed is the requirements or skills needed for being either a shepherd, warrior, or king, for that matter, do not include being a worshipper.  

Stay with me now. 

So, I couldn’t help but think although being a worshipper may not have been a qualification for many of David’s assignments, it did demonstrate his heart for God.  

So, maybe, as we are doing this thing called life, on this side of Heaven, we should keep a heart for the job and a heart for God.    I guess those should be reversed, huh?

As we serve in our positions, whatever they may be, let’s keep a heart for God and a heart for the job.    

Worship while you work 😉

Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM!
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