Everyday we see advertisements for how to be successful in life. Millions of dollars are spent each year to try and unlock the secrets of getting the most out of life. Many seek power, position and money only to find that each new conquest still leaves life lacking and unfulfilling. As we follow David who began his young life as a mere shepherd boy, we see an example of what the world would call “ a successful life”. Scripture, however, teaches us that David’s true success is not the gain of riches or position, but the ever increasing faith of a man who has God’s hand on his life. We can learn much from studying the character of David.
- David was respected by his people because he had proved his loyalty and faithfulness to them. They anoint him King and David propers as King of Israel because his heart remained dedicated to God. “And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.” (5:10)
- As supplies are provided and a great house is built for David, David does not lose focus on why he is successful. He does not forget that his ultimate responsibility is to serve the people of God. “And David knew that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.” (5:12)
- David seeks the counsel of God for direction. When his enemies , the Philistines, rise up against him he does not engage them in battle until God directs him to do so. He does not forget who gives him victory. “And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.”(5:20)
- David is teachable. He longs to restore the worship and reverence of God to the people. “Then let us bring again the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.” (1 Chronicles 13:3) During the greatly celebrated transport of the ark, we read that Uzzah died because he touched the ark to keep it from falling. David’s initial reaction is to get upset. Likely he felt humiliated before his people, he was upset about the death of Uzzah, and he did not understand what went wrong. After all, he had the right intentions. When he learns that the family he leaves the ark with are blessed by its presence however, he understands that the ark was not the problem. The problem was that he did not transport it as God had directed it to be transported. David seeks knowledge from the Scriptures and summons the Levite priests to bring the ark with the reverence it was meant to have. “Because you did not carry it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.” So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel. And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord.” (1 Chronicles 15:13-15)
- David leads the people in worship. This is not mere religious pomp and ceremony. This is sincere, from the heart, unashamed worship of the Lord. “And David danced before the Lord with all his might.” (6:14) He did not care about what people thought. He cared only about what God thought. When his wife criticized his behavior, David was not deterred. “ I will celebrate before the Lord”.
- As God blesses David, David continues to seek his counsel and to express gratitude before the Lord. He acknowledges that he is nothing without God. “Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” (7:18)
Are you encouraged as I am by the life of David? I love how the Scriptures give us insight into the heart and character of a man who knew true success in life. No matter our circumstances, we can have that same blessing and success in our lives. God wants an intimate relationship with us too. As you read David’s prayer of gratitude, insert your own name.
“And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God!”
Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. Therefore you are great, O Lord God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” (7:20-22)